In the wake of the allegations of abuse in gymnastics, there are now personnel consequences not only in Stuttgart. The German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) also reacts.
The Stuttgart gymnastics scandal is now leading to consequences at the highest level. Former national coach Ulla Koch is temporarily suspending her position as Vice President of the German Gymnastics Federation (DTB). The association announced that the step was taken “in the spirit of an optimal processing process” and applies for the duration of the processing. The 69-year-old Koch, who has been vice president for a good three years, decided to do this herself.
According to the association, Koch has “undisputed merit” in German gymnastics. As a trainer, she always reflected on her work, and in the executive committee she was involved in the “performance with respect” process.
Several former gymnasts had recently made serious allegations against the work at the federal base in Stuttgart. “Systematic physical and mental abuse” and catastrophic circumstances were criticized. The DTB and the Swabian Gymnastics Association (STB) are in the process of coming to terms with what happened.
Gymnastics: Exempt coaches will not return
The first personnel consequences were that the coaching duo, who were temporarily released in Stuttgart until last Sunday, would not return to training in the artistic gymnastics forum. A corresponding report from the “Stuttgarter Nachrichten” and the “Stuttgarter Zeitung” coincides with dpa information.
Further news in the investigation process is expected in the coming days – including the composition of the investigative commission that the DTB wants to set up and which will look into the allegations in more detail.
The allegations, which were made public around the turn of the year by former top gymnasts Tabea Alt and Michelle Timm, among others, led to strong public criticism of the conditions at the Stuttgart base.
The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Culture had called for a detailed review.