Olympic figure skating champion Aljona Savchenko and the Chemnitz Ice Skating Club have parted ways in a dispute. The Pyeongchang pairs gold medalist had already terminated her contract as a coach in August, reported the "Freie Presse". The 40-year-old has now made serious allegations in the newspaper.
"I was systematically bullied in the club. It was impossible for me to work in such a toxic atmosphere," said Savchenko, who also won two Olympic bronze medals and five world championship titles. The club is said to have prevented children from joining her training group, complained Savchenko. The Ukrainian-born athlete returned to Chemnitz last year, where her successful figure skating career had begun.
backing from Szolkowy
Savchenko also explained that she had only been offered a part-time position. That's why she had to give private training. Her former partner Robin Szolkowy, who is also employed on a fee basis in Chemnitz, agreed with Savchenko. "The opportunities that we bring with us, primarily with our names, but also as a coaching team, were too big for Chemnitz," said Szolkowy. The approach of many people in the club is different.
In return, club chairwoman Stephanie Schneider sharply criticized Savchenko. "With her resignation, Aljona took something away from us because she violated employee obligations such as recording working hours," said Schneider, who accused the former world-class athlete of preferring private lessons to club training and "not cooperating."
Savchenko is also said to have made derogatory comments towards children. Savchenko denies this, saying she even suggested promoting talent. "I would have liked to be accepted as a coach," Savchenko continued. "Unfortunately, I had the impression that the club was only clinging to old structures and was not open to new developments."
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