I started at a local gymnastics club in Roeselare at the age of 8. I practiced various sports and hobbies at the time, but as soon as I started my first gymnastics lesson, I knew that this sport was made for me. The feeling of flying through the air was simply magical.
In November 2017, I was part of the Belgian delegation at the Tumbling World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria. I finished 21st in the competition, which was a highlight for me. Currently, I'm also trying to focus heavily on my performances in the disciplines... hand balancing and Aerial straps . I want to specialize in this as much as possible because my ultimate goal, since childhood, has been to perform with the circus troupe 'Cirque du Soleil'.
I haven't really come out at my sports club. I never explicitly told them, because I assumed everyone knew. I also found it somewhat absurd to come out as an athlete, since your sexuality has no bearing on your athletic performance. Two years ago, posting a photo with my boyfriend online made it clear. That way I didn't have to tell them, so there were no clear reactions.
"I'm just a perfectly normal man who is attracted to other men. I never want to be pigeonholed into a category."
I haven't really received any negative reactions; everyone has been extremely positive about it. Our sport isn't financially supported at all, so there were no sponsors involved. But I've always believed that anyone who doesn't accept me for who I am, I immediately leave behind. So, I wasn't really afraid of the reactions. I'm just a perfectly normal man who is attracted to other men. I never want to be categorized into a box.
Perhaps it's much easier in an individual sport. You only have to rely on yourself. If you're on a team with someone or several people who don't fully accept you, that can affect your athletic performance.
I didn't really have any role models. I would have liked to hear the message that it's all okay, that we're not "abnormal people." You just have to always stay true to yourself. It seems very complicated and difficult at first, but it really isn't. With a little willpower and passion, you'll undoubtedly get there!
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