Overview

• ZDF’s Frontal documentary features athletes, including hurdler Eileen Demes, describing sexualized messages, coercive advances and inappropriate touching by coaches.
• The German Athletics Federation says it has withdrawn an A‑licence from the Hesse coach highlighted in the film, after previously revoking a trainer licence in another case.
• Prosecutors have opened investigations in at least two instances, and the Lower Saxony federation has filed a criminal complaint concerning a former state coach.
• The Hesse association suspended the coach in 2023 after athlete reports, yet he continued working at clubs until his dismissal in July 2025, with officials citing legal limits on warning teams.
• Germany’s abuse commissioner Kerstin Claus and federation leaders urge stronger prevention, sanctions and cross‑Federation reporting, as athletes such as Elena Kelety adjust training arrangements before the World Championships.