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Sofia Bekatorou was invited to the show “Enopios Enopio” on ANT1 on Monday night (01/25), who was shocked by her allegation of sexual abuse at an early age by a member of the Hellenic Sailing Federation and led to a lot of women. “Break” the silence and talk about sexual violence.
The Olympic gilthead spoke about her first steps in sport, but also about the emotions that the sea “gives birth” to her and her involvement in sailing, saying:
“I started when I was 7 years old, at the urging of my father. When I joined the Club it was a difficult process, I had almost only boys. They thought I could take the boat and go out on my own. And since then, I have not left the club. It is like a mobile chess. Sport is exciting. It is psychotherapy. It’s very nice and the fact that you can be on a team and there is no age limit. I will not stop browsing and that is clear. “Maybe not at the Olympic level, but I can do it.”
Sofia Bekatorou also spoke about her “duo” in sail, Emilia Tsoulfa, as well as the serious surgery that was done shortly before the Olympics.
“Three months before the Olympic Games I had to have surgery on my spine. Fortunately I left and managed to recover properly, because in Greece it was not possible. In those three months there was no protocol that says I can get up and” In two months I managed to return to Greece and compete with Emilia, “said the Olympic Gold.
She herself was moved by talking about her sister, Varia, who passed away after a battle with cancer. Varia had participated in five marathons, while Sofia Bekatorou was by her side until the last moment.
“My sister knew very well how much she loved the sea and sailing. She was the first woman to lead Iroman. She was a great fighter. She urged me to chase the qualifier. And when I did, she said ‘Well done Sophia’ and two days then he left ”, said the Olympian.
Regarding the situation that has prevailed in EIO for many years, which has been denounced by many of the Federation’s athletes, Sofia Bekatorou stated:
“He had received many threats from agents within the Federation. Over time, starting with Nikos Kaklamanakis, others have mentioned it. All athletes have had serious problems with the Federation. I don’t know what makes the agents come, I can’t even explain it. Why is this happening? Many times there were relatives of the actors involved in the sport. There was no incompatibility, which resulted in mismanagement and serving family interests. Proof “.
Sofia Bekatorou: “Why did I speak now?”
Sofia Bekatorou spoke openly about the complaint she made against the Federation agent and expressed her feelings, emphasizing the fear that the victim feels in such a case, but also the reasons that made her not speak at the time.
“First of all, you understand that it was a very difficult decision. Because the trauma I had suffered was so deep and it had pushed this event so deep inside of me that especially in the early years I couldn’t think about it, because it might not work at all. . I realized that even if I came out to speak I couldn’t prove it, so somehow I was afraid of the consequences of this. There was an omerta in the Federation that I can’t talk about. Until there was this feeling of discomfort and not I could handle it. I heard some comments from a father that this man is seducing children. As a mother, I felt like I had a great responsibility and decided to speak up. “Also, on the occasion of the lawsuit brought against Nikos Kaklamanakis, I felt that one supported the other and I found the courage,” he said.
Responding to the question “why now?”, With which many faced the complaint of Sofia Bekatorou, the golden Olympian replied:
“Those who know about abuse understand that the trauma is great and you cannot speak. I feel satisfied that I have found the strength. And I found the strength to help others. As I thought about what happened to me, I do not find the strength . “I do not intend to become a member of the European Parliament, nor do I intend to help elect anyone or any faction of the Federation.”
Sofia Bekatorou referred to how the aggressor addresses the issue and develops intimacy with him, managing to lower his defenses.
“When a person has developed a relationship of trust with you, the moment the whole Federation fights you and goes ahead and starts and solves problems, they gain ground. We were excited when we learned that they would come with us to the qualifying race. People” Those who take such actions are those who have already developed some intimacy with the victim. They are the people we say, I never expected it from him, “said the Olympic Gold.
Speaking about what she would urge a victim to do today in a similar case, Sofia Bekatorou said she should speak up immediately, stating, at the same time, that the time given to the victim to speak is very short, as the crime is legal -Brown until you find the strength to report it.
“Now that I know exactly the legal part of the case, I see that unfortunately until now the law works in favor of the perpetrator and, in particular, of the moment of which it can be spoken. Certainly the victim must speak immediately. I definitely believe that it should be given. more “Scientists say victims cannot speak directly. It took me many years to realize what had happened to me, “he said.
Sofia Bekatorou also spoke about how she communicated the sexual abuse she suffered to her children. Since the complaint would be made public, he decided to speak with his daughter and son before speaking to prepare them.
“I thought it would go public. But I didn’t wait that long. On November 26 I gave my first statement to the prosecutor. Since then, I have been trying to find a way for other people to come out and speak.” That is why I spoke with My children and tried to explain some things to them about sexual violence. I explained to my son, who is in his teens, what sexual violence is and what “no” means. All people should talk to their children and inform them. “Because we do not have adequate sexual education in schools,” said the athlete.
As for what she expects from the man who hurt her, Sofia Bekatorou concluded: “I’m interested in never hurting anyone again. I want to prevent this type of behavior in some way.”
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