Mannheim Gymnastics Center Faces Scrutiny Over Past Training Practices

Efforts to improve athlete welfare and training conditions are ongoing following allegations of harsh methods from former gymnasts.

Former gymnasts have accused the Mannheim gymnastics center of employing harsh and authoritarian training practices, with some incidents dating back up to a decade.
One former athlete, Zoé Meißner, described being forced to train through an injury, calling the experience 'horror.'
Joachim Fichtner, who became the center's sports director in 2018, initiated reforms to improve athlete well-being and create a more supportive training environment.
The changes have focused on self-care, self-regulation, and fostering a positive atmosphere, earning recognition from the Robert-Enke-Stiftung in 2020.
Fichtner acknowledges progress but emphasizes the need for further improvements, including better support for both athletes and overburdened coaches.