Overview
- Elisabeth Seitz, a record-holding German gymnast, has accused the Mannheim training center and national youth coach Claudia Schunk of abusive and authoritarian practices.
- Seitz reported the issues, including physical and mental abuse, to the German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) as early as 2014 but says no action was taken.
- She recounted being forced to train despite physical exhaustion, leading to injuries such as a split lip and damaged tooth during a failed routine.
- The DTB has hired a law firm to investigate allegations of abuse across multiple training centers following numerous public complaints from former athletes.
- Seitz has demanded comprehensive reforms, including the removal of individuals responsible for abuse, to prevent future harm to young athletes.