Due to allegations of misconduct at the federal base in Stuttgart, the German Gymnastics Federation has decided to commission a Frankfurt law firm to investigate the allegations.
“The aim of the independent legal investigation is, on the one hand, to examine the individual allegations. On the other hand, the events should be viewed with a view to possible organizational and systemic deficiencies,” the association said in a statement. The investigation by the law firm should begin immediately and be completed as quickly as possible.
DTB wants to appoint independent expert advice
In addition, the DTB Executive Board has decided to set up an independent expert council. Following the legal investigation, this should examine the training methods and the treatment of the gymnasts as well as the relevant structural framework conditions. The expert council should also advise the Presidium and the Board of Directors of the DTB on any necessary organizational improvement measures.
The committee should also take a look at the more recent past. The aim is to derive improvements in the framework conditions through concrete recommendations for the future from the diverse descriptions of possible grievances in dealing with gymnasts. The committee should be interdisciplinary in order to incorporate expertise from different areas beyond sport. The involvement of a representative of those affected is also planned.
DTB Chairman Zinnkann: “DTB will start processing”
Numerous gymnasts had made grievances public
At the end of December last year, numerous gymnasts, led by former selection athletes Tabea Alt and Michelle Timm, made grievances at the Stuttgart federal base public. Among other things, “systematic physical and mental abuse” was denounced. As a result, the DTB and the Swabian Gymnastics Federation (STB) announced a clarification.
Serious allegations in gymnastics: Ex-national coach Koch resigns from her position
Enlightenment activist accuses: “Young girls are being made into objects”
Be steadfast and show solidarity – otherwise nothing will change
Pressure is growing on the gymnastics association in Stuttgart: Is it now time to get funding?
Janine Berger on DTB reaction: “You can’t beat the hypocrisy”
