Former national coach leaves office
German gymnastics scandal has its first consequences
January 20, 2025 – 12:25 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
For a few weeks now, German gymnastics has been experiencing shocking revelations. So far, however, things have remained quiet from the association’s side. This has now come to an end.
The abuse scandal in German gymnastics is having its first consequences at management level. Ulla Koch, Vice President of the German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) and former national coach, is temporarily resigning from her position. This was a personal decision for Koch, as the association announced on Friday. The step serves “an optimal processing process” and applies for the duration of the investigations. Koch has been in her position for over three years.
The DTB highlighted the 69-year-old’s contributions to German gymnastics. During her time as a coach, Koch regularly questioned herself critically and was actively involved in the “Performance with Respect” initiative on the executive board.
Recently, several former top gymnasts made serious grievances at the federal base in Stuttgart public. They accused those responsible of “systematic physical and mental abuse” as well as poor general conditions. The DTB and the Swabian Gymnastics Federation (STB) announced a comprehensive investigation.
The first personnel consequences have already taken place. The previously released coaching duo at the Stuttgart Artistic Gymnastics Forum will not return to training. This was confirmed by reports from the “Stuttgarter Nachrichten” and the “Stuttgarter Zeitung”, which agree with information from the German Press Agency (dpa).
The DTB plans to announce further details about the investigative commission in the coming days. This should thoroughly examine the allegations made. The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Culture had also called for complete clarification.
The allegations, which were made public by former gymnasts Tabea Alt and Michelle Timm among others towards the end of the year, have triggered an intensive debate about the conditions in German gymnastics. The case continues to generate great public interest.