German Gymnastics Faces Abuse Scandal as Athletes Demand External Oversight

Olympian Janine Berger and other gymnasts recount systemic abuse and call for independent investigations into the sport's governing bodies.

Former Olympian Janine Berger has called for external oversight of German gymnastics, rejecting internal investigations as insufficient.
Multiple gymnasts, including Tabea Alt and Michelle Timm, have accused coaches at the Stuttgart training center of physical and emotional abuse.
Berger shared harrowing experiences of being shamed for her weight, denied water, and pressured into unhealthy behaviors during her career.
The German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) has launched an investigation and suspended two coaches, a move some athletes see as a positive but insufficient first step.
Athletes are demanding systemic reform, advocating for collaboration among parents, trainers, doctors, and athletes to ensure athlete well-being.