His story is unique. For the moment. The unique story of a young boxer under 20 years old with a future still full of promise, but whose sporting career is today suspended due to a political quarrel between two international bodies.
Megan De Cler (photo above), youth world vice-champion under 63 kg last year, dreams of the Olympic Games, in Paris in 2024 or four years later in Los Angeles. But, as a collateral victim of the battle between the International Boxing Federation (IBA) and its rival, Word Boxing, she may not see either of these two events.
The young Dutchwoman unraveled for FrancsJeux the threads of a story that looks like a bad screenplay.
FrancsJeux : What is your sporting situation today?
Megan De Cler : I am suspended for life by the Dutch Boxing Federation for participating in this year's women's world championships in India. The Netherlands had called for a boycott of the competition due to the political situation in Olympic boxing. Being suspended, I can no longer participate in tournaments under the colors of my country, I have lost my aid, I no longer have access to sports facilities... I am like a political refugee, but in my own country.
Did you know, by going to the IBA Women's World Championships, that you risked sanctions?
I knew that my participation could have consequences. But no one warned me that I risked suspension, let alone being disbarred for life. Going to the world championships was a dream for me. By my results, I had the opportunity. I didn't want to let her escape. Boxing is my passion, I only want to box. I'm an athlete, I shouldn't find myself in the middle of a political dispute.
What happened when you returned from the Worlds?
My story was relayed by all the media in the Netherlands. I chose one to tell my side of the story in my own words. When I was suspended and the IBA heard about my situation, they assured me of their support by including me in the IBA family as a neutral athlete. They also included me in their financial aid program for boxers.
A lifetime suspension, the sanction is extreme…
I think so too. A doping athlete is suspended for two years, or even four, but never for life for a first offense. My only fault is having wanted to defend my chances at the world championships, when my federation had decided, for political reasons, to boycott the event.
How do you explain the severity of the sanction?
The former president of the Dutch federation, Boris van der Vorst (current president of World Boxing, editor’s note), wanted to make an example. Show other boxers that staying in the IBA camp could have very serious consequences. He wanted to scare them. I know that several other girls on the team also wanted to go to the Worlds in India. But the fear of a sanction made them give up.
Today, how can you continue your career?
It's very difficult. I train mainly at home, with my father who is also my coach, and my trainer Semmy Pattiwael. I am involved as a neutral athlete in tournaments with the IBA label. I was thus able to fight in France, Poland, Montenegro. And I am financially supported by the IBA, particularly for training, travel and participation in competitions.
Have you considered appealing your suspension, before the Court of Arbitration for Sport for example?
I thought about it, but appealing to the CAS is not within our means. It costs $10.000. I appealed to a committee of the Dutch Boxing Federation. My first approach received no response. I sent a second letter. I was told that the suspension was valid and remained in effect. I also contacted the national Olympic committee. There, they explained to me that my case depended on my federation.
Today, what are you demanding?
I have become a neutral athlete, I would like to have the status to defend my chances for Olympic qualification. My situation is unique, she should be able to find a solution. The IOC could create a team of neutral athletes who, for political reasons, find themselves excluded like me from their country or their federation. A team of sporting refugees.
