German Gymnastics Faces Abuse Scandal at Stuttgart Training Center

Multiple gymnasts have accused coaches of severe physical and mental abuse, prompting investigations and calls for systemic reform.

Lara Hinsberger, a 20-year-old gymnast, detailed abuse at Stuttgart's national training center, including being forced to train through injuries and enduring mental pressure.
Hinsberger revealed that she developed depression at age 14 and has been in psychotherapeutic treatment since her time at Stuttgart.
Other gymnasts, including Tabea Alt, Michelle Timm, and Elisabeth Seitz, have corroborated claims of systemic abuse, citing toxic training environments and neglect of athlete well-being.
The German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) has launched an investigation and announced immediate measures to address the allegations, with Bundestrainer Gerben Wiersma set to oversee training operations starting January 7.
Critics, including former gymnast Kim Bui, have demanded accountability and broad reforms, warning that abuse is not limited to Stuttgart but reflects deeper systemic issues in German gymnastics.