Overview
- The Deutsche Eisschnelllauf- und Shorttrack-Gemeinschaft confirmed Pechstein as Bundestrainerin Mehrkampf effective 1 August, upgrading her May interim role to a permanent appointment.
- At the same time the DESG hired Paweł Abratkiewicz as sprint Bundestrainer and Mike Hall as Bundesstützpunkt‑Trainer in Inzell to free Pechstein from a dual role.
- The federation framed the changes as sport-driven, citing Pechstein’s long international career and a DOSB diploma-trainer qualification as reasons for the hire.
- The personnel moves follow a contested DESG plan to concentrate senior squads in Inzell and Berlin that prompted athlete resistance in Erfurt and led to a temporary moratorium while DOSB and federal talks continue.
- Media and athletes have raised governance questions because Pechstein is the life partner of DESG president Matthias Große and the DESG has not disclosed contract lengths, a lack of transparency that could deepen distrust unless the federation provides more details.