Former German diver and Olympic medalist Jan Hempel has revealed he was sexually abused by his trainer for 14 years.
The confession of Frank Hempel, 51, sounded in a documentary by the German television company ARD. From the age of 11, he says, he was sexually abused by his trainer Werner Langer for a total of 14 years. Langer committed suicide in 2001.
Hempel said the management of the German Swimming Association (DSV) was aware of the situation but did nothing to stop the rapist. In particular, he pointed to Lutz Bushkow, who has been the head coach of the national diving team for the past 20 years.
After Hempel’s allegations hit the airwaves, DSV announced that it had temporarily relieved Bushkov of his duties “until the facts are finally cleared up.” Bushkov was with the German team at the European Swimming Championships in Rome. However, speaking to ARD, DSV chairman Marco Troll stressed that, as in all such cases, the “presumption of innocence” applies until proven otherwise.
Hempel expressed hope that by telling his story, he helped move forward in resolving this issue.
“Something has to happen,” he said.
The news has led to growing calls for better protection of athletes from sexual harassment.
Hempel won a silver medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as a bronze medal at the 2000 Games in Sydney.
ARD
Source : MatchTV
