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Rising Pressure on Stuttgart Gymnastics Association: Addressing Key Issues

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Serious allegations of mistreatment by officials at the Artistic Gymnastics Forum in Stuttgart have prompted Sports Minister Theresa Schopper to consider financial and personnel actions. Amidst restricted media access and a lack of transparency, discussions regarding accountability and integrity in gymnastics are intensifying. A financial commitment of around 1.6 million euros for 2025 is planned, while the introduction of a new role for “Athlete Management” aims to foster open communication. A meeting on January 23 will seek clarity on these pressing issues.

Financial and Personnel Consequences Under Review

Following serious allegations from competitive gymnasts against officials at the Artistic Gymnastics Forum in Stuttgart, Sports Minister Theresa Schopper is contemplating potential financial and personnel repercussions. The situation has drawn considerable attention as accusations of humiliation and mistreatment surface.

Raising Awareness and Ensuring Integrity

As one enters the Olympic Training Center (OSP) in Stuttgart, vibrant posters proclaim messages such as “It is – after all – NOT just a touch,” and “We are watching. We are listening. We are addressing it.” These reminders emphasize the importance of respectful and constructive interactions within the sports community.

Nearby, the Artistic Gymnastics Forum of the Swabian Gymnastics Federation (STB) serves as the national training hub for German gymnasts. In light of recent allegations, media access has been restricted, with television cameras no longer welcomed. The federation asserts that protecting the personal rights of active athletes is a priority.

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, there seems to be a lack of transparency. The federation’s approach appears more defensive, with officials retreating from public scrutiny. In a written response to inquiries, the STB acknowledged receiving complaints starting as early as April 2021, yet the timeline remains murky.

Uli Derad, managing director of the State Sports Federation of Baden-Württemberg (LSVBW), presents a different narrative, indicating the LSVBW became aware of the issues in spring or summer of 2024, prior to the Paris Olympic Games. Discussions have since ensued, with LSVBW emphasizing the need for concrete measures moving forward.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, under Minister Schopper, supports the LSVBW’s efforts. Plans for a substantial financial contribution of approximately 1.6 million euros to gymnastics in the state for 2025 are underway. However, Schopper conveys her shock at the allegations, stating that previous internal investigations have not yielded the desired results.

Ensuring the integrity of athletes and preventing any form of abuse is paramount. Schopper highlights that misuse of state funds could lead to financial consequences for sports organizations. “We need to scrutinize how the funding is allocated and how the situation is addressed,” she warns, indicating that freezing funding could be a potential course of action.

Derad echoes this sentiment, suggesting that restricting grants may be a viable option. Funding notices clearly stipulate that the integrity of participants must be upheld, emphasizing the importance of accountability.

The city of Stuttgart also plays a role in supporting gymnastics initiatives, having allocated funds for events like the DTB Cup and the construction of a new trampoline hall. However, city officials argue that withholding funding won’t foster sustainable improvements within the system.

There is consensus among the ministry, LSVBW, and the city that the issues plaguing gymnastics, particularly at the Artistic Gymnastics Forum, need urgent attention. Minister Schopper asserts that internal clarifications alone will not suffice, calling for external investigations to facilitate meaningful change.

Derad stresses the necessity for a detailed action plan and active oversight during implementation. The STB’s operations will be closely monitored as these discussions unfold.

Schopper does not dismiss the possibility of personnel changes within the federation, emphasizing that if the system remains stagnant despite internal reviews, significant changes may be unavoidable.

To rebuild trust, Derad proposes a separation of powers, allowing athletes and coaches to seek support from individuals outside the sports hierarchy without fear of repercussions. In response, the OSP has created a new role for “Athlete Management,” filled by former world-class athlete Pamela Dutkiewicz-Emmerich since December 2024, to help facilitate an open dialogue.

A pivotal meeting is scheduled for January 23, involving representatives from the STB and LSVBW, where Minister Schopper aims to gain clarity and answers to pressing questions.

*Tune in to SWR1 Baden-Württemberg on Thu., January 16, 2025, at 6:40 PM for the broadcast.*

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