Golden EM days in Leipzig: Triumph and dark shadows of gymnastics!

Golden EM days in Leipzig: Triumph and dark shadows of gymnastics!

The European Championships in the gymnastics in Leipzig ended on June 1, 2025 with a solemn stadium gala in the central stadium. Around 40,000 spectators celebrated the success of the German gymnasts. Despite the positive results, however, there is a shadow above sport, since there are profound problems in the German Turner Bund (DTB).

Overall, the German athletes were able to win several medals at the European Championship, including three titles. Andreas Toba secured the silver medal at the bar, while Nils was dark with gold on the bar. The women, especially Karina Schönmaier, also contributed significantly to the success. DTB sports director Thomas Gutekunst expressed an optimistic manner of the medal yield, but also the generation change in the team, which goes hand in hand with the end of the career of Elisabeth Seitz, raises questions.

painful revelations and sporting success

Despite the sporting successes, there are justified concerns in the DTB. This is how Helen Kevric was injured on the knee, which resulted in a longer break after fighting her new trainer Aimee Boorman with the help of her new trainer. Boorman, formerly responsible for Simone Biles, has only a five -month fee contract, which draws the future of the trainer and athlete in uncertainty.

The DTB is also faced with severe allegations. Several athletes, including Tabea Alt and Michelle Timm, have made grievances public at the base in Stuttgart, which contain systematic physical and mental abuse. These allegations range from training despite injuries to humiliation to threats. Kim Janas, a former gymnast, reported on her personal burden, which lasts up to eight years after her career end.

• accusations at the bases:
• training under pain
• humiliation by trainer
• Isolation and lack of support

The reports on abuse in competitive sports are not new. Already in 2020 gymnasts had made similar allegations at the Olympic base in Chemnitz. Due to these allegations, the DTB had reacted with changes and passed a safe sport code. Nevertheless, dealing with the current grievances is a lengthy process that could run until next year.

interpersonal violence in competitive sports

The problems in competitive sports are part of a larger, complex topic. Interpersonal violence in sport is a widespread problem that overshadows the Olympic dream of many athletes. According to studies, around 75 % of competitive athletes experience at least one form of interpersonal violence during their career. Often it is mental violence that affects around 60-72 % of athletes.

The current revelations about grievances in the DTB are part of a social change that is supposed to prioritize a safer and healthier sports culture. Initiatives such as the “Safe Clubs” project are working to develop prevention measures against interpersonal violence. It is an urgent need that comprehensive reforms, instead of cosmetic changes, are carried out in sports to ensure the well -being of the athletes.

In these troubled times, it will be crucial that both the DTB and other organizations finally act to change the culture in competitive sports and thus offer the athletes a safe and respectful competitive environment.