Ulla Koch Resigns as German Gymnastics Vice President Amid Abuse Investigations

The longtime figure in German gymnastics steps down to enable new leadership as systemic abuse allegations are scrutinized.

Ulla Koch officially resigned as Vice President of the German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) on April 2, 2025, after stepping back from her role in January.
Her resignation follows allegations of systemic physical and mental abuse at training centers in Stuttgart and Mannheim, brought forward by former gymnasts including Tabea Alt and Michelle Timm.
An independent expert council and public prosecutor inquiries are currently investigating the reported misconduct and proposing systemic reforms.
Koch, who served as head coach for women’s gymnastics from 2005 to 2021 before becoming Vice President, stated her resignation was to allow for new leadership without her influence.
The DTB expressed gratitude for Koch’s contributions to German gymnastics but acknowledged the need for significant cultural and structural change.