“If sport is only about fulfilling parents’ ambitions, a heavy and unpleasant obligation, then it leaves wounds in the child’s soul, which need to be dealt with even in adulthood.” Anna Levandi on Estonian Skating Union issuing her a warning
The Estonian Skating Union decided to issue a warning to figure skating coach Anna Levandi in response to the accusations made against her.
original source: sport.err.ee dd. dd. 25th April 2024 by Maarja Värv / Instagram
The Estonian Skating Union decided to issue a warning to figure skating coach Anna Levandi in response to the accusations made against her. This decision was made after a commission formed for this purpose had listened to the complainants, witnesses, experts, and Levandi herself, and thoroughly analysed the situation. Here’s a translation of the Estonian Skating Union statement and Anna Levandi’s comments posted on ERR.
The Skating Union points out that today athletes and their parents are more demanding about the process of sport, which imposes new demands on coaches. The Union’s commission recommends all coaches avoid emotional and sometimes overly critical language to prevent conflicts with children and their parents and to remain understanding.
“The Skating Union wants to support young athletes, their parents, and coaches. For this, we plan to organise various trainings and definitely ask coaches what kind of training they would need in this field. We recommend parents also participate in trainings related to emotions, psychology, and the mental aspect of sport, as all parties involved in the training process must consider the athlete’s individual abilities, readiness, and overall well-being,” said Maire Arm, president of the Skating Union, who chaired the commission.
The commission has gained conviction as a result of many discussions that Anna Levandi’s criticisms and harsh expressions are driven by her desire to encourage athletes to put in more effort in training. The commission did not find any malice in Levandi’s coaching work or actions.
We treated the allegations against the coach extremely carefully and checked the allegations and the information we received as much as we could. During the commission’s work, we did not receive any new complaints. We contacted all the people known to us who had filed a complaint or who we recognised in the described situations to hear them out. We also listened to the explanations of witnesses and Anna Levandi to get a picture as complete as possible. We also consulted with various experts. In total, the commission spoke with ten people and dealt with incidents that happened up to 17 years ago, on which understandably it is not possible to take definitive positions. We understand that there may be an expectation that the commission has found clear evidence either confirming or refuting every episode of accusations, but unfortunately it has not been that simple. The analysis was complicated by the fact that many of the described episodes were word-for-word counter situations. In addition, some people changed their positions.”
After the Estonian Skating Union’s decision to issue her a warning, Anna Levandi commented on the situation in her post on Instagram.
“Anna Levandi: I’ve been looking inward for a long time, waiting for the Skating Union’s decision. I feel like I’ve given everything to figure skating – my time, professional advice, experiences, enthusiasm, energy, and most importantly, love. Life’s not void of mistakes and figure skating is my life.
Conflicts should be avoided, but it’s just as important to deal with them sensibly right away. Disagreements should be discussed, the other party should be understood, sometimes apologies should be made, sometimes forgiveness should be given, and one should feel that they have been forgiven.
Every student I have invested in on their athletic path is dear to me. I was deeply moved by the fact that so many students showed their support in recent days and said that I had taught them important things about being human as well.
Some of my many students, unfortunately, do not recall their time in figure skating with good feelings, and I am very sorry for those who are haunted by the trauma of childhood sports. Sports should be done because it develops, offers positive emotions, and the joy of surpassing oneself. If sport is only about fulfilling parents’ ambitions, a heavy and unpleasant obligation, then it leaves wounds in the child’s soul, which need to be dealt with even in adulthood.
I understand that two people can remember the same moment very differently. I am sincerely and sincerely sorry if I have hurt anyone with my words. I have certainly never been malicious. I apologize again and try to learn from my mistakes.
In sports, it’s important to work to ensure that athletes, parents, and coaches respect each other. Everyone should be considered in their position, heard, and appreciated. Only by respecting each other can misunderstandings be prevented. Misunderstandings should be resolved as soon as possible and respectfully.
I have always considered it important to do everything for the athletes. At this time, it seems important to make an effort on behalf of coaches and teachers as well. The work of teachers deserves respect. Without it, we will soon no longer have coaches or teachers.
Unfortunately, some parents treat teachers as 24-hour on duty service providers, who can be called and messaged at any time convenient for them or offered advice on how the teacher should do their job, regardless of lack of relevant preparation.
Sport is my heart. Never before would anyone have been able to get me away from skating, but I have now decided to reduce my coaching workload to do something significant for teachers, coaches, and instructors. Over the 23 years, world-class coaches have grown in my school, to whose capable hands I can entrust my athletes.
Thank you for your support, dear current and former students, parents, colleagues, my phenomenal family and friends! I wish everyone success in training and competitions, I always keep my fingers crossed for our athletes!”
Related topics: Anna Levandi
If true, it’s kinda cringe imo, but I don’t know if I would call it abuse of power. I mean she’s 21, Kenner is 27. It’s not like he’s 40+ year old Morozov who married his student as soon as she turned 18. But I acknowledge that others might see it differently.
Did anyone hear about the love affair of Eva-Lotta Kiibus (EST) and her coach Thomas Kennes?
I’ve only heard that she was dating a speed skater (or short track skater) from Estonia who also moved to train to Netherlands.
I recently heard that Eva-Lotta Kiibus now apparently has a relationship with her coach Thomas Kennes from the Netherlands. I thought she had another boyfriend. Abuse of power by this coach?