The world of gymnastics, often synonymous with grace and perfection, hides a darker underbelly that few dare to acknowledge. Beneath the glitter of medals and applause lies a culture that, for years, has pushed young athletes to their breaking point. Now, a storm is brewing, and the whispers of systemic abuse are becoming impossible to ignore.

From the vaults of Germany’s elite training centers to the Olympic stage, shocking revelations are emerging. Stories of relentless pressure, ignored injuries, and psychological manipulation paints a grim picture. And at the center of it all is a former prodigy who, after years of silence, is ready to share her truth.

Tabea Alt breaks the silence on abuse in gymnastics

Tabea Alt was once hailed as a prodigy in German gymnastics, a young star who brought hope to the nation. From her early days at Stuttgart’s national base under coach Marie-Luise Mai to her bronze medal on the balance beam at the 2017 World Championships, Alt’s journey seemed destined for greatness. But her glittering career masked a troubling reality, one she unmasked on Instagram this past Saturday.

Alt’s post detailed years of alleged abuse and neglect in the competitive gymnastics system. Her revelations sparked renewed attention on a growing crisis in the sport, as she joined a wave of gymnasts sharing their harrowing experiences. Among them are Meolie Jauch, a 2023 World Cup participant who retired at just 17 due to mental strain, and Emelie Petz, who struggled with eating disorders during her brief career. Amelie Pfeil, Catalina Santos-Moran Díaz, Michelle Timm, and Pauline Schäfer-Betz have also come forward, exposing a culture of psychological pressure, physical damage, and systemic disregard for athlete welfare. In 2021, Alt had already tried to sound the alarm by submitting a 38-page letter to the German Gymnastics Federation (DTB), detailing her experiences. “It was ignored or not taken seriously,” she now says.

Saturday’s public statement has prompted the Swabian and German Gymnastics Associations to launch a joint investigation into misconduct at federal bases. This includes external oversight and a reevaluation of how reports like Alt’s were handled—or mishandled—in the past. Alt’s account is not an isolated case but part of a larger pattern. From Schäfer-Betz’s 2020 allegations against her Chemnitz coach to Pfeil’s description of every day in training feeling like “a fight for survival,” the voices of these gymnasts paint a damning picture of the sport’s systemic failures.

 Learning from global efforts to combat abuse in sports

Germany isn’t alone in grappling with these issues. Countries like the United States and Canada have faced similar reckonings, prompting systemic overhauls in their sports ecosystems. In the U.S., the fallout from the Larry Nassar scandal led to the establishment of the U.S. Center for SafeSport. This organization focuses on education, investigation, and prevention of abuse across all levels of sport. In Canada, the introduction of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) marked a significant step forward. This code outlines strict guidelines and provides resources for athletes to report abuse, ensuring accountability at every level.

Switzerland, too, has implemented the Magglingen Protocols, which aim to create safer environments by identifying and mitigating risks of non-accidental violence in sports. The Swiss Sports Integrity Center, established alongside these protocols, investigates reports of abuse and ensures swift action. Germany could take a page from these countries’ playbooks. Establishing an independent body to oversee athlete welfare and implementing mandatory training for coaches on mental and physical health could be transformative. Transparency, accountability, and athlete-first policies must become the new standard.

The revelations from Tabea Alt and her peers serve as a wake-up call for the gymnastics community. Change is long overdue, and the bravery of these athletes is lighting the path forward. As Germany confronts its own reckoning, the question remains: Will these stories finally lead to lasting reform, or will they become another chapter in the book of ignored cries for help?