German Gymnastics Abuse Scandal Deepens as Investigations Begin

Authorities in Baden-Württemberg launch criminal investigations into abuse allegations, with searches conducted at multiple locations tied to gymnastics organizations.

The state prosecutor and criminal police in Baden-Württemberg have opened a case against a former coach from the Stuttgart Artistic Gymnastics Center on suspicion of multiple instances of coercion.
Searches were carried out at several locations, including the offices of the Swabian Gymnastics Association and the German Gymnastics Federation, with documents seized for review.
Prominent gymnasts, including Tabea Alt, Michelle Timm, and Elisabeth Seitz, have publicly alleged systemic physical and mental abuse at training centers in Stuttgart and Mannheim.
The German Gymnastics Federation and Swabian Gymnastics Association, while not accused parties, have expressed support for the legal investigation and are working with external experts to address the allegations.
Elisabeth Seitz, a record-holding gymnast, has called for accountability within the sport, emphasizing the need for structural reforms to ensure athlete safety and respect.

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Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung