BRESCIA, 24 JAN – An investigation by the Brescia Public Prosecutor’s Office into the alleged physical and psychological abuse of young rhythmic gymnastics athletes has been carried out. The investigating judge has ordered the interdictive precautionary measure of the ban on coaching throughout the national territory for the Brescia coach Stefania Fogliata. The agents of the flying squad notified the provision to the 30-year-old coach who works in a gym in Calcinato. The investigation was born from the complaint last August of two athletes. Stefania Fogliata is accused of mistreatment aggravated by the young age of the people offended from 2017 to today. Eight alleged victims. Last September, the investigators of the Flying Squad had gathered the confidences of a mother on the alleged illicit conduct of the coach of an academy affiliated to the “Italian Gymnastics Federation”, in Calcinato in the province of Brescia. It would have happened during training, against the woman’s daughters and other gymnasts aged between 10 and 14 years. More than 25 people were heard, including victims, witnesses, parents of the gymnasts, colleagues of the psychologist instructor and the leaders of the National Federation themselves. Traces of the chats and video footage of some episodes, sometimes made by the suspect herself, were recovered from the cell phones. According to the disqualification order, the elements collected would have explained the reason why the young gymnasts would have left the Academy even in the face of prospects of great sporting success, even in the international arena. (HANDLE).
(ANSA)
