Suspension rocks French women’s gymnastics ahead of Paris Olympics

With the Paris Olympics just around the corner, the French women’s artistic gymnastics team faces turmoil as their coach, Dimitru Pop, has been temporarily removed from his position due to allegations of violence and abuse. The French Gymnastics Federation’s technical director, Kevinn Rabaud, confirmed to Reuters on Wednesday, March 7, that an investigation initiated by the French Sports Ministry in May is currently underway. Pop was unavailable to provide any comments regarding the situation.

This suspension comes at a critical time, as the French women’s gymnastics team had successfully earned their spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics by securing a bronze medal at the world championships last October. Pop, who is among the three coaches for the team, finds himself in a challenging predicament as the investigation unfolds. The gymnastics community and fans are keenly waiting for further developments from the investigation, with additional insights expected from the Sports Ministry.

In related news, it was announced on Tuesday, March 5, that tourists would not have free access to view the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics from the Seine River. The French government cited security concerns for the decision to restrict access to an invitation-only basis. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin expressed the need for controlled access to manage crowd safety, especially in light of recent terrorist threats, stating the importance of a secure yet inclusive event.