Thiam expressed her frustration, saying, “There is also the decision not to accredit my physiotherapist, who is here but cannot assist me in training. It is even more shocking for me because it is truly a decision aimed at negatively influencing my Championship and my preparation.”
For the first time in a decade, Nafissatou Thiam entered a World Championship or Olympic heptathlon without medaling, as the Belgian superstar faced a stormy build-up in Tokyo. Meanwhile, rising phenom Anna Hall seized the spotlight, claiming the U.S.’s first heptathlon gold in 32 years with a staggering 6,888 points, setting the stage for a sizzling new rivalry. Well, her not clinching a medal this time can be attributed to the treatment she received from the federation. Interestingly, the federation’s stance was completely different.
The Belgian Athletics Federation painted a completely different picture. Jessica Mayon, president of LBFA, totally dismissed Nafissatou Thiam’s claim, stating that they had written proof of the hubbub where she was treated well by the federation, “I have written proof that it is not true. She was welcome (at the pre-camp). There was someone there to help her prepare for her camp, who was already there. So it is absolutely not true.”
Mayon added that the Belgian athletes generally enjoy full access to the top-notch medical team, which also includes an excellent doctor and experienced physiotherapists. While the Federation emphasized that they brought a contingent of 47 athletes, Mayon acknowledged that distinguishing individual cases can sometimes get complicated.
She further added, “If the discussion had been truly open and frank on both sides, a compromise could have been reached on the subject of image rights. In football, they all wear the national team kit and yet, they undoubtedly have obligations sometimes linked to private partners. It’s an issue that lives in a lot of federations… and they always manage to find solutions that suit everyone.”
Different stories from different individuals; however, Nafissatou Thiam has her coach backing her, who insists the federation was completely against her. Will the higher authorities take action? Only time will tell.