German Gymnastics Coach Suspended Amid Abuse Investigations

Claudia Schunk has been temporarily suspended for four weeks as the German Gymnastics Federation investigates allegations of abuse at key training centers.

The German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) has suspended youth national coach Claudia Schunk for four weeks following allegations of systematic abuse.
State prosecutors conducted investigative actions at the Mannheim training center on March 19, 2025, as part of ongoing inquiries.
Former gymnast Tabea Alt and record champion Elisabeth Seitz have accused training centers of harsh and abusive practices, including forced training while injured and weight-related criticism.
The DTB emphasized that Schunk's suspension does not prejudge the outcome of the investigations and is reviewing both allegations and positive accounts of her training methods.
This case has drawn significant attention to the culture of elite gymnastics in Germany, reflecting broader concerns about athlete welfare in competitive sports.