Gymnastics: City supports proposal for mediation process
Following the city's ban on gymnastics coach Gabriele Frehse last Friday, there have been many discussions between the city and all parties involved. Among other things, the German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) has responded to several requests from the city with a binding written statement on how the athletes are to be supported by the federation during their Olympic preparations. Starting next week, national coach Claudia Schunk will train the athletes in Chemnitz until the Olympic qualification in June. All top gymnasts have been invited to a training programme in Frankfurt this week.
At the same time, the DTB has once again explained in writing that, from its point of view, Gabriele Frehse will not be able to supervise the athletes under any circumstances.
However, the city supports the proposal of the TuS Chemnitz-Altendorf club, the Chemnitz City Sports Association and several parents to ask the Ethics Commission of the German Olympic Sports Confederation, chaired by Thomas de Maizière, to moderate a mediation process in the matter. The aim is to bring all parties together to find a sustainable future for Chemnitz, its gymnasts and the quality of training.
Despite Gabriele Frehse's continued presumption of innocence, the city will continue to ban her from the premises until the court proceedings have been concluded. The city is relying on the DTB's assurance that it will guarantee successful preparation for the Olympic qualification for all Chemnitz gymnasts.