Revelations of Abuse in German Gymnastics: DTB President Downplays Systemic Issues
Cottbus, Germany – Alfons Hölzl, President of the German Gymnastics Federation (DTB), has dismissed allegations of widespread abuse at two training centers as not representative of gymnastics in Germany.
"I want to make it clear that the current situation and the allegations in no way reflect the sport of gymnastics as we know it," Hölzl declared at a press conference held alongside the World Cup Gymnastics tournament in Cottbus.
Allegations of Systemic Abuse
Hölzl’s statement comes in the wake of disturbing revelations by former gymnast Tabea Alt (24), who publicly denounced severe abuse at the Stuttgart training center late last year.
"It’s not an isolated case: eating disorders, punitive training, painkillers, threats, and humiliation were the order of the day. Today I know that it was systematic physical and mental abuse," Alt wrote.
Her allegations prompted several other former and active female gymnasts, including German champion Elisabeth Seitz, to come forward with similar accounts. The spotlight also turned to the Mannheim training center, where harsh and authoritarian training methods were reported.
DTB’s Response: Engagement of Law Firm and External Experts
In response to the allegations, the DTB has engaged a law firm that was previously involved in investigating allegations around the Chemnitz training center in late 2020.
Hölzl defended the firm’s involvement, stating that it has "great expertise in the investigation, clarification, and standards that are important to us." He also announced the establishment of an external council of experts to assist with the subsequent investigation and resolution of the issues.
Criticism from Former Gymnasts
However, former top gymnasts have criticized the DTB’s handling of the allegations. In an open letter, they expressed concerns that the investigation might not be independent, citing the perceived lack of transparency in the previous investigation of the Chemnitz allegations.
DTB’s Acknowledgment of Cultural Change
Hölzl acknowledged that the cultural change initiated by the DTB through its "Performance with Respect" campaign following the Chemnitz allegations requires time.
"The implementation process is long," he said. "The problem arises when there is an imbalance of power and gymnasts do not dare to speak directly to their coach."
DTB’s Defense of Coaches and Investigation Process
Hölzl rejected accusations that the DTB was not taking action against the alleged abuses. "We investigated, but not every report leads to labor law measures," he emphasized.
He stressed that it is a delicate matter and that simple answers are not possible. Hölzl also explicitly expressed trust in the coaches but stated that this "does not mean that we are blind to the situation."
Complex and Challenging Issue
The allegations of abuse in German gymnastics have shed light on the complex and challenging issues surrounding power dynamics, athlete welfare, and the importance of transparency and accountability in sports organizations.
As the investigations continue, the DTB faces the dual responsibility of addressing the specific allegations while also implementing long-term measures to prevent and address any systemic issues that may exist within the sport of gymnastics.
