This is a new major decision, in a particularly delicate period for French gymnastics. A week after the broadcast by Stade 2 of an investigation testifying to facts of abuse and repeated violence against former gymnasts of the France team, and a few days after the announcement by the Ministry of Sports of the launch of two investigations against a coach and an executive of the Federation, we learn that one of the largest high-level structures in the territory is preparing to close its doors.
In a statement released on social networks this Sunday, the France Gymnastics Pole of Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône) says: "the French Gymnastics Federation has convened the president of the pole for a meeting this Saturday, May 20 in Miramas to announce the decision to close the Marseille pole on June 30, 2023". And continues: "The president is summoned to resign on Monday and all activities stopped on June 30. Titular gymnasts, incoming gymnasts, and employees are being fired."
A gymnast of the Pole and the Blues says she is "disgusted"
The cluster's statement also details "the reasons given" to justify such a measure. "The trial of the technical director" (Vincent Plateau, recently sentenced to six months in prison suspended for moral harassment of three minor athletes), "the report of Stage 2" - "on facts that do not concern the Pole at all," says the press release -, and finally "a particularly unstable financial situation". Contacted this Sunday, while taking place in Miramas, the France Championships of the discipline, the Federation has not yet responded to our requests.
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The news had begun to enamel on social networks this Sunday morning, especially following the publication of a message in the "story" of Sheyen Petit's Instagram account. A member of the France team, the 20-year-old gymnast who trains in Marseille said she was "disgusted", "in a state of total despair". "I learn that on June 30, we will meet at the door of our gym!!" she lamented. And added: "For some like me, who are in the preparation of the Paris 2024 Olympics, we must take everything in another structure and act as if nothing had happened, as if it were normal ... Do you find it normal ??? »
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In this long message, the vice-champion of France beam and floor in 2021, also testifies to her support for "Vincent", who is none other than Vincent Pateau, who was recently convicted by the courts for acts of moral harassment. According to the gymnast, he has "always tried everything to bring a new dynamic". Sheyen Petit also talks about her "kindness" and "energy."
Because in addition to the two investigations launched, the ministry announced that the technical manager would be notified of an inability to exercise any supervisory function. In addition, a former coach of the Marseille pole, Pierre Ettel, must also be tried for moral harassment, on November 7, recalled AFP at the beginning of the week.
Less than a year and a half before the Paris Olympic Games, several high-level gymnasts are deprived of their training center and will have to find another place to stay.
