The national gymnast Pauline Schäfer-Betz will not be competing at the European Championships in Leipzig from May 26 to 31. According to the German Gymnastics Federation, the 28-year-old will have to undergo surgery in May due to persistent hip problems. The 2017 world champion was diagnosed with an injury to her hip joint labrum (labral lesion).
"The decision to miss the European Championships was incredibly difficult for me, especially because it is taking place in Germany," said Schäfer-Betz. "But to stay healthy and fit in the long term, surgery is unavoidable."
The budding veterinary practitioner now wants to use the time for her studies. "I try to see the positive in every situation. Missing the European Championships hurts - but my health comes first," she said.
Schäfer-Betz is one of the German gymnasts who have denounced systematic grievances in recent months.
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