Huge criticism of the gymnastics festival: Leipzig's sports facilities are endangering Olympic dreams!

Huge criticism of the gymnastics festival: Leipzig's sports facilities are endangering Olympic dreams!

The International German Gymnastics Festival, which took place in Leipzig in early summer 2025, generated both sporting enthusiasm and critical voices about the city's organization and infrastructure. From May 28th to June 1st, 2025, the event attracted over 80,000 athletes and numerous visitors, making it the largest domestic sporting event in Germany. However, this experience also coincided with strong feedback regarding the gym situation.

The participants primarily praised the organization, but expressed concerns about the structural situation, particularly in Brüderstraße and the arena's small arcade. These circumstances were perceived as detrimental to performance. Gymnastics coach Tillmann Schäller criticized the high temperatures in the small arena, while Kerstin Schlegel pointed out the insufficient spectator seats, which were not sufficient apart from the trade fair. The youngsters in particular had a difficult time, as Ulrike Steeb, organizer of the show jumping World Cup, noted. She criticized the lack of optimal conditions, including moderation and music, for the young athletes.

Criticism of the sports infrastructure

The infrastructural deficiencies that came to light during the gymnastics festival raise questions regarding Leipzig's bid for the 2040 Olympic Games. Interior Minister Armin Schuster commented on this and made it clear that an Olympic bid could increase the likelihood of investments in sports facilities to improve conditions for athletes. He stated that there was no fundamental opposition to this application in Saxony.

In addition, Iris Spranger, Berlin's Senator for the Interior, emphasized that the Olympic Games in Paris were 95% privately financed. Nils Dunkel, European parallel bars champion, sees potential for competitive sports in such an event. Schuster aims to improve the German medal ranking and has set himself the goal of finishing in the top 5 in the medal table. In order to promote talent, academic trainer training will also be restarted at the University of Leipzig in the winter semester of 2025/26.

Sporting highlights and participation offers

The gymnastics festival also offered a variety of sporting competitions, participation activities and demonstrations at various locations in the city. After a break of eight years, fistball became part of the program again, with competitions at the 1. FC LOK Leipzig sports facility. A Wowball tournament, the final rounds of which took place on the Leipzig market square, also caused a stir. The market square acted as a central contact point for fistball enthusiasts, where daily offers took place, led by Julian Scharf.

There was great interest in the event and participants were able to register online. The participation fee included accommodation, local transport and access to all events. Volunteers were also sought to support the participation stations and competition management. These engagement offers attract many interested parties who can register online. Ultimately, the gymnastics festival not only highlights the strengths of Leipzig sport, but also draws attention to necessary improvements in the infrastructure, which will be crucial for future events and competitions.