Skibergsteigen: Alpenverein stellt Sportchef frei

Bormio, Italy – The German Alpine Club (DAV) has provisionally suspended its Head of Ski Mountaineering, Hermann Gruber, following serious allegations of misconduct related to medical testing procedures. The move comes after complaints from German ski mountaineers surfaced, culminating in a formal investigation by the Traunstein Public Prosecutor’s Office. The situation casts a shadow over the sport’s Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Gruber, who was present at the recent Olympic premiere in Bormio, requested the suspension himself, according to a statement released by the DAV. “This suspension is in the interest of a transparent and undisturbed investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Traunstein, as well as in the interests of the athletes,” the statement read. The decision underscores the seriousness of the accusations and the DAV’s commitment to addressing them thoroughly.

Allegations of Harm and Improper Procedures

The allegations center around medical testing conducted on athletes, specifically concerning blood draws. According to reports from German broadcasters ARD and faz.net, athletes Felix Gramelsberger and Sophia Weßling filed complaints with the Traunstein Public Prosecutor’s Office. A third, unnamed former member of the national ski mountaineering team has also reportedly filed a complaint. The accusations include dangerous bodily harm, aiding and abetting dangerous bodily harm, coercion and negligent bodily harm.

The core of the complaint details a procedure conducted in April 2024 at the Chiemgau Olympic Training Center in Ruhpolding, where athletes allegedly had blood drawn from their earlobes up to 60 times within a few hours. Athletes have described a lack of adherence to basic hygiene standards, claiming that helpers allegedly reused gloves between athletes, raising concerns about potential contamination and infection. Gramelsberger described the process as a “mad bloodletting,” according to the ARD report.

The DAV acknowledged that concerns were raised following the testing. They stated that procedures were reviewed and organizationally improved in response to athlete feedback. However, the scale and nature of the allegations have prompted a full criminal investigation.

Investigation Underway

The Traunstein Public Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed it is investigating the claims. A spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office stated that a preliminary investigation has revealed a “reasonable suspicion that the accused have committed a punishable offense.” The investigation is expected to take several weeks, and those accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Alongside Gruber, Maximilian Wittwer, the former national coach, is also under investigation. The allegations against both men are being treated with utmost seriousness by the authorities, given the potential for harm to athletes and the implications for the integrity of the sport.

Impact on the Olympic Premiere

The timing of these allegations is particularly sensitive, coming shortly after ski mountaineering made its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2026 Winter Games. While Weßling and Gramelsberger were not part of the German team competing in Italy, and are not currently slated for the 2025/2026 Olympic squad – officially due to sporting reasons, according to the DAV – their complaints have brought the issue to the forefront of public attention. The scandal threatens to overshadow the sport’s introduction to a global audience.

The controversy raises broader questions about athlete welfare and the oversight of medical procedures within the DAV and the broader German winter sports system. The focus now shifts to the outcome of the investigation and the steps the DAV will take to ensure the safety and well-being of its athletes moving forward. It’s a critical moment for the organization, as it seeks to maintain trust and credibility in the wake of these serious accusations.

The situation also highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by sports organizations regarding athlete health and safety. The pressure to perform at the highest level often leads to pushing boundaries, but it’s crucial that What we have is done within ethical and medically sound parameters. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when those boundaries are crossed.

The next step will be the findings of the Traunstein Public Prosecutor’s Office. The DAV has pledged full cooperation with the investigation, and the outcome will likely determine the future of both Gruber and Wittwer, as well as potentially leading to broader reforms within the organization. The ski mountaineering community, and the wider sporting world, will be watching closely.

Archysport will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.