The dispute between the Portuguese Judo Federation and some athletes is about to continue. At least according to a message posted on Monday by Thelma Monteiro.
The judoka revealed the expulsion of coach Anna Hormijo by e-mail, and adds that the president of the federation threatens to prosecute the athletes who criticized him in an open letter to the court, and also says that she did not receive any financial support.
The message posted by Thelma Monteiro:
“When they ask me how things are going with the federation… they go like this: Tomorrow I will travel to competition, the first after knee surgery. The federation today sacked coach Ana Hormigo, via email, the day before the team left! Without knowing the team or the team in advance. In Olympic Qualifying Week!
Yesterday, at the federation meeting, I learned that the president told attendees that the athletes who wrote the open letter a few months ago will have to step back this week or be taken to court.
On Saturday, at the planning meeting, the coaches were informed that, like other athletes, I no longer had funds from the Olympic Project – run by the Federation – to carry out the planning we had done.
It’s worth noting that I haven’t competed nor done an internship since July! And that I didn’t do more this year, on the contrary, I did less than usual!
This year I actually paid for the international training, I paid for the surgery related expenses (!!) for the expenses not covered by the insurance the union told me to contact (I emailed a week ago about this, they didn’t reply) and now for what I understand, if I wanted to fully implement my gym plan, I would have to pay too.
By actions like this, the federation continues to show how little respect it has for its athletes and people and for the kind of sports management they do. We no longer just say it, it’s the procedures to prove that everything we say is true!!
I will represent my country with the same will and pride, even if I have to pay for it, do not doubt it!
For you, Anna Hormigo:
As an athlete, I want, in some way, to continue your presence in the competitions and I hope that the responsible authorities will intervene in this regard. As a friend, I’m glad you no longer have to deal directly with this establishment. how lucky you are! “
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