Imparting Clarity to Grievous Claims: National Gymnastics Coach Under Scrutiny in Abuse Fiasco
Suspended Coach Amid Alleged Abuse Controversy
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link A renowned gymnast, Elisabeth Seitz, alongside others, accuses a veteran national coach in Mannheim of using fitness as a pretense for lackluster results, leaving a lasting impact on her. The German Gymnastics Federation has temporarily dismissed Claudia Schunk to probe these and other claims.
The lingering abuse sorrows in German gymnastics have yielded more staff repercussions: Claudia Schunk, the national youth coach, has been provisionally released from duties for four weeks. The German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) affirmed this following SWR's initial report. Among others, German record-holder Elisabeth Seitz has recently made grave accusations against Schunk, who once coached her at the national training center in Mannheim.
In light of public outcry, the DTB has opted, "for the sake of thorough clarification of the matter and also to safeguard the coach, to temporarily release Frau Schunk from her duties for four weeks. During this period, she will not helm any forthcoming competitions or training sessions." The DTB underscored that "this suspension does not rule out the possible outcomes of the ongoing investigations."
Schunk helmed the training in Mannheim since 2006. Elisabeth Seitz reveals she was forced to train with injuries under Schunk, and the coach made disparaging remarks about her weight. Seitz recounts an instance where she had to train with injured hands, later diagnosed with "septicemia" in the hospital, and Schunk quipped, "Oh yes, you always have something!"
Athletes' Strife Serious Charges against DTB Gymnast: "I Fell into Severe Eating Disorders" Allegedly, exercise failures were linked to her supposed weight issues. Seitz still struggles with weighing herself today. She also disclosed that portions of her prize money were demanded by Schunk, as previously divulged by other former junior gymnasts. "Typically, it was done discreetly through envelopes or to Schunk's private account, with the explanation that she must cover various responsibilities despite her tight schedule," Seitz said. Schunk communicated through SWR on this matter, stating that there was "a feedback regarding training optimization" sent to the center, with these payments exclusively meant for gymnasts' benefits, rather than involving trainers.
Before the allegations at the Mannheim center surfaced, there were already multiple indications of misconduct at the national training center in Stuttgart around Christmas. The Baden-Württemberg Gymnastics Federation (STB) then terminated a coach and a trainer accordingly.
- Harassment and Alleged Financial Misconduct
- Besides Elisabeth Seitz, other gymnasts have made grave accusations against Claudia Schunk, the national youth coach who once trained them at the Mannheim training center.
- The suspension of Claudia Schunk for four weeks is temporary, according to the German Gymnastics Federation, as investigations into her alleged use of training as a cover for poor results and incidents of violence continue.
- The allegations against Claudia Schunk have stirred up concerns not only in Mannheim but also in Stuttgart, where there were already multiple indications of misconduct that led to the termination of a coach and a trainer around Christmas.
