DDR's Doping Scandal Discussed by National Coach Turn-Bundestrainer - Allied German Football Coach Discusses Performance-Enhancing Drug Scene in Former GDR
German Gymnastics National Coach Addresses Doping Allegations in East Germany Ahead of European Championships
German gymnastics coach Jens Milbradt has spoken candidly about doping in East Germany, ahead of the home European Championships set to take place in Leipzig. When asked if he suspected doping played a role in gymnastics during his active career, Milbradt, 56, responded that "suspected is certainly the better word."
Milbradt shared his thoughts with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" on Monday. He stated, "It was clear that something was going on there." He elaborated, "It was common to have to undergo certain tests before traveling to capitalist countries, and one wondered: Why do they do that if they believe they've never taken anything? So it was clear that something was going on there."
When initially questioned about encountering doping during his active career, Milbradt seemed evasive. He asked, "Shouldn't we be talking about the future of German men's gymnastics?" Milbradt assumed his role as head coach from Valeri Belenki last November.
Milbradt expressed concern over the abuse scandal in German gymnastics. He called for more differentiation and insisted, "What bothers or saddens me the most is that it wasn't possible to bring the gymnasts together with the coaches and especially with the DTB in internal communication. That would have been a better solution than what we have now."
Led by former national team athlete Tabea Alt, several former and current gymnasts have criticized misconduct since the end of last year. Even so, Milbradt does not believe the sport is unfairly accused of the current allegations. "Not at all. I think we live in a world where it's completely legitimate to talk about problems," said the coach.
The East German sports system was notorious for state-sanctioned doping during the 1970s and 1980s, with particular notoriety for women’s swimming and athletics. However, while the doping scandal is well-established in swimming and athletics, evidence specifically naming gymnastics as a major focus of this doping program is less prevalent. If Milbradt's remarks about widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in East German gymnastics are based on personal experience or inside knowledge, his claims may be credible but would represent an insider's perspective rather than a widely recognized, documented fact.
- The general-news of Milbradt's statements about doping in East German gymnastics during his active career has sparked discussions in EC countries about the potential use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in various sports.
- Furthermore, as the European Championships in Leipzig approach, crime-and-justice investigators might find it beneficial to delve into the alleged use of PEDs in East German gymnastics, given Milbradt's insider perspective.
- Meanwhile, in the sports world, football and European leagues remain unaffected by the doping allegations, with the Champions League continuing unabated, showcasing fair play and athletic skill devoid of any performance-enhancing substances.
