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German Alpine Club Suspends Three Skimo Athletes After 'Atmosphere of Fear' Finding

The decision follows an external review describing a deteriorated team climate marked by fear.

Overview

  • The DAV presidium unanimously imposed a provisional ban on three athletes from international events with the national squad, citing a sharply escalated team situation.
  • A law firm engaged by the federation reported uncertainty up to an 'atmosphere of fear' that team members ascribed to the trio's behavior, according to the DAV.
  • The suspended athletes, including Sophia Weßling and Felix Gramelsberger, allege serious hygiene and safety breaches during April 2024 testing and have filed criminal complaints now under investigation in Traunstein.
  • DAV president Roland Stierle says athletes and staff recently reported fearing encounters with the trio; Gramelsberger rejects the account, calls the statement untrue, and prepares legal steps.
  • The federation frames the measure as temporary during ongoing external and legal reviews, while a dispute over a proposed mediation underscores the widening rift.