German speed skaters based in Erfurt face uncertainty over relocation plans imposed by their national federation, which demands they sign contracts to move their training base by the end of June or lose their national team status.
Schaatsen.nl, a Dutch skating news outlet, reports on tensions between the German Skating Federation (DESG) and the athletes concerning plans to centralize training facilities in Inzell or Berlin.
The German Skating Federation (DESG), led by Matthias Große, requires top skaters currently training in Erfurt to sign contracts committing them to relocate to Inzell or Berlin by June 26. This demand responds to a reorganization requested by the federal government, which funds the national training centers. Athletes who fail to comply risk losing their positions on the national team and associated funding.
This policy has met significant opposition from regional representatives in Thuringia, where Erfurt is located. Michael Schneider, head of the Thuringian sports federation, has expressed strong criticism, affirming that Thuringia will use all legal means available to protect its athletes. The Minister of the State Chancellor’s Office of Thuringia, Stefan Gruhner, has also intervened by sending a letter to the German Olympic Sports Confederation. He stated that pressuring young athletes to make rapid decisions about their future under such conditions is unacceptable and unjust to their achievements.
Hendrik Dombek, a Munich-born skater training in Erfurt, voiced concerns about the relocation plans. He highlighted the excellent sporting environment and strong training groups currently in Erfurt, noting that no clear sporting rationale has been provided for the move. Dombek described the threat of losing selection and funding as a significant psychological burden on the athletes, particularly affecting young skaters unsure about their future amid ongoing uncertainty.
