The Italian Gymnastics Federation
(FGI) has said that it has suspended Emanuela Maccarani from the
role of technical director of rhythmic gymnastics in relation to
allegations of bullying from some young athletes.
FGI President Gherardo Tecchi added, however, that Maccarani
would stay on as rhythmic gymnastics national team coach.
"We don't think it is right for us to be the judges," Tecchi
said.
Maccarani and her Russian assistant Olga Tishina face a sporting
disciplinary procedure and are under investigation by criminal
prosecutors over allegations of psychological abuse of athletes.
Prosecutors in Brescia are investigating after the mother of two
sisters who have left the sport filed a complaint over alleged
psychological abuse the girls were subjected to by coaches in
relation to their weight and physical appearance.
Two former members of the national team, Nina Corradini and Anna
Basta, last year told La Repubblica that they suffered
humiliation and pressure in relation to their weight at a
rhythmic gymnastics academy.
Maccarani said the accusations came from athletes who were
bitter after not being selected for the Olympics.
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