Overview
- Former athletes, including male and female gymnasts, have alleged abusive practices at Germany's Stuttgart and Mannheim gymnastics training centers.
- Accusations include harsh training methods, verbal abuse, disregard for injuries, and systemic physical and mental mistreatment.
- The German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) has engaged a law firm and an expert panel to investigate the claims, and two Stuttgart trainers have been suspended.
- High-profile athletes like Michelle Timm and Tabea Alt have publicly criticized the culture of abuse, describing their experiences as emotionally and physically damaging.
- Experts highlight structural issues in gymnastics, including power imbalances between young athletes and coaches, as well as pressures from parents and funding systems.