Stuttgart's gymnastics community is reeling from serious accusations of abuse within the Stuttgart artistic gymnastics center as preparations intensify for the upcoming European Championships.
With just three months left until the prestigious event takes place from May 26 to 31, the scandal is overshadowing what was supposed to be a moment of triumph for athletes like 16-year-old Helen Kevric, who gained international acclaim after ranking eighth overall and sixth on the uneven bars at last year's Paris Olympics.
According to Alfons Hölzl, the president of the German Gymnastics Federation (DTB), the topic of misconduct has severely disrupted the lead-up to two significant tournaments: the German Gym Festival and the European Championships, both prominent events on the gymnastics calendar. "It's important to highlight we have significant tournament year ahead of us with both the German Gym Festival and the European Championships, undoubtedly two very meaningful events not just for sports but also for society," Hölzl stated on the sidelines of the recent World Cup held in Cottbus. Yet, he acknowledged the grim reality: "Both are unfortunately overshadowed by allegations of misconduct. We are dealing with manifestations of psychological violence."
Since the allegations about the Stuttgart training center came to light at the end of December, the DTB has been dealing with numerous issues. Two coaches have been suspended, leaving the top gymnasts without their support. The Stuttgart public prosecutor's office has launched investigations amid multiple reports of coercion. To resolve the concerns raised, Frankfurt-based law firm Rettenmaier has been engaged by the federation, but progress appears to be slow as the independent expert committee tasked with investigating the claims has yet to begin its work. DTB sports director Thomas Gutekunst confirmed, "There is still no timeline." Meanwhile, the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Sports has frozen funds allocated for the center until the expert committee can complete its report. Minister Theresa Schopper remarked, "That serves as leverage, since we want independent clarification on the matter."
Against this backdrop, women's national coach Gerben Wiersma is facing considerable challenges coordinating preparations for the upcoming European Championships. Wiersma is particularly concerned about Helen Kevric, who had hoped to shine on the home stage after her impressive performances last year. "This is, of course, a difficult situation. The KTF team is managing the training program," Wiersma noted. The girls are currently without training support, which complicates preparations. Wiersma remains hopeful, "I truly hope we can offer a long-term solution or at least a good solution until the European Championships, which would buy us time to find something more stable."
Mirroring this urgency is the question of when Kevric will be ready to compete. While Wiersma confirmed, "She is training. But it is clear she is not competing," uncertainty lingers about whether the then 17-year-old will be able to participate. "I hope she will be on the team," Wiersma expressed, but he emphasized the importance of having structured training leading up to any competition. The reality remains dire: "Since the end of December, it hasn’t been so. At the upcoming selection camp, we will assemble our squad for the DTB Cup and the Trofeo Citta di Jesolo competitions. We’ll invite everyone, but not everyone will be there," he explained, highlighting the intricacies of this delicate situation. Following Jesolo, the first qualification for the European Championships is already on the calendar for two weeks later.
Desperate times call for desperate measures, as even former Romanian national coach Daymon Jones has stepped in to offer assistance with training at the Stuttgart center. DTB sports director Gutekunst confirmed, "He was and is an option who can provide support." Still, time is running out for these talented young gymnasts as the atmosphere looms thick with uncertainty and controversy as the European Championships draw closer.