STUTTGART, Germany — On Thursday, authorities in Germany conducted searches at various properties as part of an investigation into allegations of mistreatment and bullying involving female gymnasts.
The inquiry is centered on a former coach associated with a training facility located in Stuttgart, according to law enforcement officials.
They reported that documents were seized during the searches related to claims of coercive conduct within the sport.
Since December, several gymnasts—both past and present—have taken to social media and conducted interviews to share their experiences of intimidation, bullying, and being pressured to train despite injuries.
However, specific allegations against the unnamed former coach were not disclosed during the announcements made on Thursday.
Authorities encouraged current and former gymnasts to come forward with any additional information regarding their experiences.
The German gymnastics federation issued a statement expressing its support for the ongoing investigation and confirmed that it would continue its own inquiry, which is being overseen by independent legal experts and was initiated in the previous month.