Gymnasts abused? Scandal in Italy spreads

Following the dismissal of long-time national rhythmic gymnastics coach Emanuela Maccarani, there are now serious allegations against former junior national coach Sofia Cantaluppi, who now works for the Israeli federation. According to Italian newspaper reports, she is said to have forced gymnasts to undress almost completely and kneel down when they made mistakes in training. Journal of Sport and other newspapers base their allegations on interrogation and wiretap transcripts from the investigation against Maccarani. Gymnast Sofia Raffaeli (21), who won the bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Paris, is also said to have suffered. Wiretap transcript: Gymnasts also imprisoned The first allegations against Maccarani came to light three years ago. The public prosecutor's office is now investigating the now 58-year-old for abuse and psychological humiliation. The wiretap transcripts now also include a recording of a telephone conversation with another coach, Maccarani's deputy, Olga Tishina. According to the report, in November 2022, Tishina told another coach about Cantaluppi: "With her, everything is much worse. There is abuse. She made Raffaeli and Serena Ottaviani throw the hoop. And every time they failed to make the throw, they had to take off a piece of clothing. And in the end, they were left standing there in their underwear." In addition, the athletes were locked in a small, cold room if they trained poorly. Officials are said to have made derogatory comments The two athletes mentioned were still minors at the time. The former junior coach initially made no statement regarding the allegations. No investigation is currently underway against Cantaluppi. Previous investigations against Tishina have been discontinued. According to the report, Journal of Sport According to reports, association officials are said to have made derogatory comments about gymnasts on several occasions in telephone calls, sometimes with sexual undertones.

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Gymnasts abused? Scandal in Italy spreads

A scandal involving allegations of abuse is spreading widely in Italian gymnastics. An Olympic medalist is among the victims.

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