The Dutch athletics association has accused a trainer, who has allegedly sexually abused and harassed young athletes, of being permanently banned from the sport last year. The reports emerged over the weekend in Dutch media, identifying the trainer as Jerry M.
After facing disciplinary measures and admitting to sexually abusing young girls at two track clubs, the trainer was expelled for life. The Athletics Union confirmed that the trainer was banned from the sport after acknowledging the misconduct during a hearing before a sports committee.
The union stated that criminal charges could not be brought against the trainer for various reasons, including the victims’ reluctance to involve the police. While the revelations have shocked many, the lack of criminal charges was attributed to the victims’ reluctance to pursue legal action.
The exact number of victims involved in the abuse remains unclear, raising concerns about the need for a comprehensive investigation. According to Dutch daily De Telegraaf, Jerry M. had been coaching at multiple clubs for 35 years. Pieke de Zwart, the director of the Athletic Union, expressed regret that the case was handled as a disciplinary matter rather than a criminal one.
