The German record champion Elisabeth Seitz was the first active top gymnast to call for the allegations of abuse at the Stuttgart federal base to be dealt with and for changes to be made. Gymnastics is her sport, her great passion and she wants to convey this to many people, the 31-year-old wrote in an Instagram post. “However, in the future, grievances must be remedied and the people who cause them must be held accountable,” demanded the Stuttgart resident.
At the weekend, several athletes, led by the former selection gymnasts Tabea Alt and Michelle Timm, made grievances public at the Stuttgart Artistic Gymnastics Forum. “Systematic physical and mental abuse” and catastrophic circumstances were denounced.
Seitz: “It’s not normal”
Unfortunately, the statements, accusations and accusations that we have had to read in the last few days would not be heard for the first time, wrote former European champion Seitz. “I used to think it was normal. Today I can say: It’s not normal. “Something has to change to finally create a healthy environment for everyone,” she demanded.
Success is only real if it is achieved in the right way. “Although I also know the good sides, I am of the opinion that something has to change for the future in German women’s gymnastics!” explained the uneven bars specialist.
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DTB announces clarification
The German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) had announced an investigation would clarify the matter. In addition, immediate measures were initiated. He and the Swabian Gymnastics Federation (STB) have “concrete information about possible misconduct on the part of responsible trainers at the federal base in Stuttgart,” the association said.
Meanwhile, the German Athletes Association has expressed its dismay after the allegations of abuse that were made public. “The descriptions of serious grievances in German gymnastics have shocked us deeply,” said Athlete Germany.
One feels for the gymnasts who “showed great courage and made their frightening experiences public,” it continued. “However, the allegations should not necessarily surprise those familiar with gymnastics and the safe sport debate.”
Athletes Germany: Implement the Safe Sport Code quickly
With the Safe Sport Code, which was passed at the general meeting of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) at the beginning of December, interpersonal violence in sport can be legally punished and sanctioned even below the criminal law threshold. Athletes Germany announced that the implementation of the Safe Sport Code must now be pushed forward quickly, especially in top-class sport.
In addition, the interest group of the athletes and Seitz is calling for a quick review. “Also to prevent ongoing misconduct and thus potentially ongoing suffering for other athletes.”