Former Stuttgart gymnast Tabea Alt has made serious allegations of systemic abuse within the gymnastics community, claiming coaches and associations endangered her health. Alt and others, including Carina Kröll and Janine Berger, spoke out about the prevalence of eating disorders, emotional distress, and the neglect of medical guidelines. In response, the German Gymnastics Federation has promised an investigation to address these claims and improve athlete welfare, amid growing calls for reform in the sport.
Serious Allegations From Former Gymnasts in Stuttgart
Ex-Stuttgart gymnast Tabea Alt has made shocking claims against coaches and sports associations, stating they ‘deliberately jeopardized her health.’ She is not alone; other athletes are also coming forward with their experiences.
In an emotional Instagram post on December 28, 2024, the 24-year-old described her time at the federal training center as one filled with ‘systematic physical and mental abuse.’ Alt argues that medical guidelines were disregarded, leading to her competing while injured, even with fractures.
Alt insists her story isn’t unique, sharing that ‘eating disorders, punishment training, painkillers, threats, and humiliations’ were commonplace. Fellow gymnast Carina Kröll echoed these sentiments in her own Instagram post, criticizing the relentless pressure within the gymnastics system. She explained how athletes are often pushed to achieve new goals before they can celebrate their successes.
Personal Struggles and Systemic Issues
Carina Kröll, a former competitor for Germany, recounted her own experience with unhealthy weight expectations. At just 17 years old, she faced pressure to lose five to six kilograms in a few weeks, despite being a healthy weight for her height. ‘I was told I was ‘allegedly’ at my limit,’ she lamented, highlighting the damaging culture surrounding body image in gymnastics.
Another gymnast, Michelle Timm, also reflected on her time at the Stuttgart training center. Timm revealed that the emotional toll of such experiences could be devastating. ‘These long-standing grievances destroy people,’ she stated, emphasizing the emotional dependency many young gymnasts face. Her own career was cut short due to injuries that were exacerbated by medical oversights.
Janine Berger, a former Olympian, joined the conversation by calling for urgent reforms in the German gymnastics system. Having battled an eating disorder for over a decade, she recounted how the system perpetuated a culture of body shaming. ‘I was indoctrinated to believe that food was bad,’ she explained, revealing the extreme measures she took to meet weight requirements.
Berger’s experiences highlight the need for accountability within the sport. She described a culture where success was prioritized over athletes’ well-being, leading to severe psychological consequences.
Growing Support and Calls for Action
Many gymnasts, including Kim Bui and Emelie Petz, have shared similar stories of struggles with eating disorders and mental health during their careers. Bui expressed solidarity with her peers, commending their bravery for speaking out against a system that has long been deemed untouchable.
In light of these serious allegations, the German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) and the Swabian Gymnastics Federation (STB) have acknowledged the need for an investigation into the claims of misconduct at the Stuttgart training center. They have stated their commitment to addressing these issues and ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes in the future.
As the investigation unfolds, there’s a growing hope among former gymnasts and advocates for significant changes within the gymnastics community to prevent further harm and promote a healthier environment for aspiring athletes.