Doped, Abused and Abandoned: Growing Up in East Germany’s Sports System (400)

Cold War Conversations

Ian Sanders

Society & Culture, Documentary, History

4.8 • 758 Ratings

🗓️ 25 April 2025

⏱️ 75 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

This episode covers themes of physical and emotional abuse as well as suicide. If you need support please follow the links below. UK https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ Rest of the World https://findahelpline.com/i/iasp Kerstin recounts her harrowing childhood and life experiences in East Germany. She was identified at a young age for elite sports training, which led to intense gymnastics regimens, physical and emotional abuse, and state-sponsored doping. When she was dismissed from the sports program without warning she was left isolated and struggling with identity loss. Her personal life deteriorated further after her father’s death, and she turned to alcohol and self-destructive behaviour. Despite enduring severe trauma, Kerstin ultimately found healing and reconciliation with her past. She received state compensation for the doping-related damage to her health, repaired her relationship with her mother, and now shares her story to ensure the dark realities of the East German regime are not forgotten. Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode400/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social Follow us on Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Cold War Conversations, the home of real stories of the Cold War.
0:06.0	At Pure Gym, whatever you're here for, we're here for it.
0:10.0	So whether you're here to meet your goals or meet your gals,
0:13.7	take a bit of me time or a way off,
0:18.3	getting back on the bike.
0:21.0	Last one, big push.
0:22.0	Or filling the tea while you spin.
0:24.0	They said what?
0:25.2	We're here for it.
0:26.9	With 50% off your first month and no joining fee for a limited time.
0:31.0	Whatever you're here for, we're here for it.
0:33.6	Pure Gym.
0:34.4	Terms and conditions apply.
0:36.4	This is it.
0:37.3	Level 23. Final. Final. Let conditions apply. This is it. Level 23.
0:38.3	Final.
0:38.6	Final.
0:40.0	Let's go.
0:40.5	Let's go.
0:41.0	Let's go.
0:41.8	Almost.
0:43.3	Help.
	...

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