Recently, a former Olympic athlete has come forward to seek help from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in her fight against sexual abuse. The athlete, who wishes to remain anonymous, has accused a coach of forcibly kissing her during a training session. In an interview with the IOC, she described the feeling of “helplessness” she experienced during the incident.
The athlete’s story is sadly not unique. Sexual abuse and harassment in the world of sport is an all-too-common occurrence. According to the United Nations, one in three women and one in ten men have experienced some form of sexual harassment or abuse in sport. This is a problem that affects athletes of all ages and backgrounds, and it is one that must be addressed.
Fortunately, the IOC has taken steps to combat this issue. In 2017, they introduced a new policy that requires all National Olympic Committees to have a system in place to protect athletes from abuse. This includes measures such as background checks for coaches and staff, and the establishment of an independent body to investigate any allegations of abuse.
The IOC has also launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the issue. The campaign, called “Say No! To Abuse in Sport”, encourages athletes to speak out if they experience any form of abuse or harassment. It also provides information on how to report such incidents and where to seek help.
The athlete who has come forward is hopeful that her story will help others who have experienced similar abuse. She hopes that by speaking out, she can help put an end to the culture of silence that often surrounds such incidents.
It is clear that more needs to be done to protect athletes from abuse and harassment in sport. The IOC’s efforts are a step in the right direction, but it is important that all stakeholders in sport continue to work together to create an environment where athletes feel safe and respected. Only then can we ensure that all athletes can reach their full potential without fear of abuse or harassment.
