The fairy tale seemed written. At the beginning of November, Toon Aerts was crowned European champion, an emotional title that symbolically closed the most difficult chapter of his career, his suspension for doping. It felt like a new beginning. Together with his partner Tamara, Aerts celebrated that triumph in supporters café William’s Place in Rijkevorsel.
Loss of son Billie
The couple beamed. The relief and happiness were great, and I even had a beer that evening. But five days later their world completely collapsed. Aerts announced yesterday via Instagram that Tamara lost their unborn child Billie.
“How happy you made us when you came into our lives,” he writes. “You brought us on a cloud to Dad’s great victory at the European Championships, but five days later you gave us a good scare. You had nested outside the womb and that meant Mom had to undergo emergency surgery and we lost you.”
“It hurts us that we were never able to hug you. The sadness, together with mom’s recovery, will take some time.”
“You are the smallest star on daddy’s sweater, which will make him wear that sweater with even more pride.”
“We love you, Billie. You are forever in our hearts.”
Since his European title, Aerts has not had any results. Officially due to illness, but it is now clear that there was much more going on behind the scenes.
