A group of former elite gymnasts is urging the German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) to rescind its commission to the law firm Rettenmaier, citing concerns about the firm’s independence in investigating serious allegations within the sport. The signatories, including Olympic athletes, express skepticism regarding the firm’s objectivity, recalling past investigations that raised questions about impartiality. They advocate for a neutral review process to ensure a fair examination of the claims, emphasizing the need for transparency and independence in addressing misconduct in gymnastics.
Former Gymnasts Call for Action Against DTB’s Legal Commission
In a bold move, a group of former elite gymnasts has issued an open letter urging the German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) to revoke its commission to a particular law firm. This appeal raises critical questions about the independence of the investigation into serious allegations surrounding gymnastics.
The open letter, directed at the DTB’s board and presidency, as well as the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community, the Ministry of Sports of Baden-Württemberg, and the State Sports Association of BW, calls for the immediate retraction of the commission awarded to the Frankfurt law firm Rettenmaier. This firm has been tasked with exploring recent claims and concerns within the gymnastics community.
Among the 28 signatories of this letter are prominent figures such as Janine Berger (fourth place at the 2012 Olympics), Olympic participant Nadine Jarosch, and Olympic bronze medalist Sophie Scheder, highlighting the serious concern within the sport.
Concerns Over the Law Firm’s Independence
The signatories express skepticism regarding the objectivity of the DTB’s appointed law firm. They recall previous investigations conducted by the DTB, particularly one four years ago concerning incidents at the federal training center in Chemnitz, which left many questioning the independence of the findings.
Sophie Scheder, who has openly discussed the abuse allegations against her coach, voiced her concerns about the law firm’s impartiality. She recounted feeling dismissed during her conversation with the lawyers, stating, “I did not feel that they really wanted to hear my opinion.” Her testimony underscores a broader sentiment among the gymnasts regarding the need for a trustworthy investigation process.
Ethics professor Natalie Barker-Ruchti emphasizes the necessity of independence, impartiality, and transparency in addressing allegations of misconduct in sports. Drawing from her experience in uncovering a gymnastics scandal in Switzerland, she warns of the dangers posed by affiliations and biases, which can compromise the integrity of the investigative process.
The connection between the law firm Rettenmaier and the broader German sports system raises further concerns. Lawyer Felix Rettenmaier has held positions that blur the lines between independent oversight and organizational influence, reinforcing the gymnasts’ call for a more neutral and independent investigation.
As the DTB continues to solicit contact information from gymnasts for the law firm’s inquiries, the signatories worry that this could lead to a predetermined outcome rather than a genuine investigation. They passionately advocate for an independent review process, similar to the one conducted in Switzerland, which was led by a neutral body rather than the sports organizations themselves.
With significant funding from the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community, the urgency for an independent and thorough investigation grows. The ministry has acknowledged the impact of violence in sports, emphasizing the need for a detached body that can handle allegations effectively. The question remains whether the current investigation will align with these principles of independence and fairness.