German Gymnastics Faces Widespread Abuse Allegations

Former athletes reveal systemic misconduct in training environments, prompting calls for extensive reforms and accountability.

Multiple former gymnasts, including Kim Janas and Pauline Schäfer-Betz, have disclosed severe physical and mental abuse during their careers in German gymnastics.
Allegations include forced weight control, food and water restrictions, and psychological mistreatment, with some incidents reportedly beginning in childhood.
The German Turner-Bund (DTB) and Schwäbischer Turnerbund have launched investigations and temporarily suspended two coaches from the Stuttgart training center.
Pauline Schäfer-Betz and advocacy groups stress the need for systemic reforms, criticizing current measures as insufficient and calling for greater athlete protections.
The recently introduced Safe Sport Code is seen as a step forward, but experts acknowledge it will take years to implement meaningful change across the system.