Olympic Gymnast Caught in Growing Controversy
Seventeen-year-old Helen Kevric, one of Germany’s brightest gymnastics stars, has spoken out in defense of her coaches after a shocking abuse scandal rocked her training base in Stuttgart. While the gymnastics world reels from allegations of “systematic physical and mental abuse,” Kevric has firmly denied any personal mistreatment, saying, “I’m not a victim of abuse or anything else.”
From Triumph to Turmoil
Kevric burst onto the scene with a gold medal at the 2022 European Junior Championships and a standout showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing eighth all-around and sixth on the uneven bars. Her achievements have made her a symbol of hope for German gymnastics—but now she finds herself in the middle of a storm that threatens to reshape the sport.
Coaches Dismissed Amid Allegations
In late 2024, several former and current athletes came forward with allegations against coaches at training centers in Stuttgart and Mannheim. As a result, two coaches from Kevric’s facility were dismissed. Investigations are now being conducted by an independent panel from the State Sports Association, as well as by state prosecutors and the Baden-Württemberg criminal investigation office.
Loyalty vs. Accountability
Kevric, who credits her now-dismissed coaches for her Olympic success, expressed heartbreak over their departure. “I always had a good relationship with my coaches,” she said in a recent interview. Her comments highlight the complexity of the situation—loyalty and personal experience colliding with broader claims of abuse and a system under scrutiny.
German Gymnastics at a Crossroads
The German and Swabian Gymnastics Federations have since commissioned a Frankfurt law firm to conduct a deeper probe. With findings expected in July, the sport stands at a critical moment. Can Helen Kevric’s support for her coaches coexist with a push for transparency, justice, and lasting change in gymnastics culture?
The answers will not only define Kevric’s path forward but also determine how the sport rebuilds trust and protects future generations of athletes.