Stefan Lurz has resigned as Germany open water coach following allegations of “sexual assault, psychological manipulation and bullying” reported in news outlet Der Spiegel.
Der Spiegel reports that “he (Lurz) is said to have coerced and harassed female athletes for years”, allegations which Lurz vehemently denies.
They also say Lurz was investigated on “suspicion of rape and sexual abuse of wards” at least 10 years ago but the 15-year-old “withdrew the rape allegations after several interrogations”.
Der Spiegel say they have “documented further cases in which the national coach is alleged to have harassed or even sexually coerced his protégés. Messages sent suggest that there were sexualised contacts.”
Lurz refuted the allegations, saying:
“For [what feels like] more than ten years I have been confronted with the same accusations over and over again.
“I continue to deny the allegations.”
The German Swimming Association (DSV) released a statement on Friday which read:
“The national trainer for open water swimming in the German Swimming Association (DSV), Stefan Lurz , announced his immediate resignation from his position today, Friday, to the incumbent DSV board.”
Lurz is the brother and former coach to Thomas Lurz who won silver in the 10km open water at the 2012 Olympics in London, four years after taking bronze in Beijing and finished his career with seven world titles.
The 43-year-old had been head open water coach at Germany’s national training centre in Würzburg before his resignation.
Advertising: Shop At Swim360