Laura
I’ve always played with older girls, so I always had examples. I’ve always perceived lesbian girls as something normal.
I’ve had times when I felt I had to pretend I was straight. Actually that was just to avoid negative reactions, because after a while you get sick of being targeted all the time.
What really helped me to take the decision to come out, was the fact that I had already achieved a lot in sports. I became world champion, broke a number of world records and won the Belgian championship several times. So I already had proven myself and was confident about myself.
I didn’t have anyone as an example, I cannot name one person who took the same path as I did. In the beginning, I really felt like an intruder in women’s sports. And that is something that should be tackled.
I am constantly in contact with my coach as I work with him on a daily basis. So I thought he should know. I cannot work with someone who does not know me.