«I am serene, justice will take its course»- Corriere.it

The technical director of the rhythmic national team Emanuela Maccarani left the international rhythmic gymnastics academy in Desio at 12.15, where in the morning she was heard by the federal prosecutor Michele Rossetti. “I am serene and I look confident,” she said. The president of the rhythmic gymnastics federation Gherardo Tecchi, the general secretary Roberto Pellentani and Emanuela Maccarani herself were heard in the offices of the Brescia prosecutor’s office. The prosecutor Alessio Bernardi is listening to them as people informed about the facts in the context of the investigation into the alleged physical and psychological abuse on young athletes who have suddenly ended their careers.

So the investigation started by the complaints of the athletes – and in many cases by their parents – about the methods used in the Academy and therefore by Maccarani to manage the working group is going on. Which led to the commissioner. With regard to the allegations made by the athletes (abuse and psychological violence especially on body weight and the prohibition of eating in order not to compromise performance), the director provided all clarifications, but did not reveal anything about the meeting with the attorney general. As she left, she said: «I am very serene. The investigation is in full swing and I absolutely cannot say more. Now we wait for the sports justice to carry out the due investigations ».

Marcella Bounous also spoke with the federal prosecutor Michele Rossetti. «I have been involved in sports psychology for many years. I was called by the Federation to work with girls to provide them with psychological support and for the improvement of the management of emotions which are essential for female athletes at a competitive level. I haven’t met the girls yet, as the auditions are underway and it’s the first time I’ve come to the Desio Academy. My figure is new and if I find any anomalies I will promptly report them to the Federation. I will start working with them immediately and my work will be in the medium and long term on the basis of a work plan. Even in this delicate moment, having been a sports psychologist for many years, I don’t think I will have any difficulty in relating to them”.

Federal prosecutor Michele Rossetti calmly clarified the spirit of the investigation: “We are taking this moment very seriously. Any report of incorrect behavior for us must be promptly evaluated. Between today and tomorrow we will hear from all sides between athletes, technicians and staff and in case we ascertain any responsibility we will take the necessary measures. It is useful to remember that what we are conducting is a fact-finding investigation activated ex officio precisely because there is no complaint corresponding to the reports reported by the press. But due to the seriousness that distinguishes the federal prosecutor’s office, we felt it was our duty to clarify things as quickly as possible”.