6th February 2010 12:00
A career in athletics often consists of many different roles. For Dominique Gavage, there have been many positions she has filled as she worked toward higher goals throughout her career.
After a seven-year career as an athlete, Gavage came back to the sport as a volunteer after spending time at university. It was at this time that Belgian athletics federation President William Kevers encouraged her to become a part of the legal commission.
This position led directly into the significant accomplishment of becoming the first woman named as the league administrator of the French-speaking Belgian athletics (LBFA) and the Belgian Royal League athletics (LRBA).
Now, Gavage serves in a major administrative role in her federation as the general secretary.
A large part of her success has been a result of her ability to balance her successful career with a rich personal life. It is no surprise that this very attribute is her personal motivation, as she is inspired when witnessing others achieve this in their own lives.
She also benefitted greatly from working with FBFA (Ligue Belge Francophone d'Athletisme) General Secretaty Eric De Meu, who she says was a great help in her career.
Gavage has made a significant impact in a number of different roles in athletics. Currently, she does important work for her federation on anti-doping and legal issues surrounding doping topics. She also played a large role in the formation of the Belgian Olympic Academy, participating in the 2002-2004 session.
Gavage teaches at the AISF (Interfederal Association of French Sports) and has participated as a speaker at symposiums there.
In addition to teaching, Gavage serves on the higher council for physical education, recreation and outdoor life of the French community at the request of the Minister of Sports because of her expertise in legal and sports arenas.
Gavage has also served as head of delegation and co-head of delegation at the former SPAR European Cup and the European Athletics Championships. Most recently, she was elected to the Olympic Committee Interfederal Belgian (BOIC).
Her many accomplishments have given her hope for the place of women in athletics, but she still sees the reality of the situation each day.
'Athletics and sport in general is a man's world. It's quite difficult for a woman to get a post of responsibility,' Gavage said.
Gavage's close friend, Luc Hermans, has helped her a great deal throughout her career, giving advice and encouraging her.
Federation President Jean-Claude Thill has also been a beacon of encouragement for her, which she gratefully recognises.
Gavage said that she will continue to contribute to women in sport through her own career as well as communicating an important message to young girls that athletics is a great career path which can help them surpass expectations in their lives.
One glaring advancement Gavage said needs to be made for advancing the cause of women in sports in the future is more media coverage.
Gavage hopes more women will be found at every level of the sport in the future, but knows there is a long way to go to reach equality.