Former East German athletes not yet compensated for forced doping

Former East German athletes subjected to forced doping are still in need of compensation, decades on from the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification, a government official stressed on Wednesday. 

Evelyn Zupke, the German government's commissioner for victims of the socialist dictatorship, called for greater assistance for former athletes, many of whom are dependent on long-term support.

In her annual report on efforts to compensate the victims of the East German regime, Zupke said its sports system "did not just produce medals and world champions."

"State-imposed doping is responsible for thousands of people who continue to suffer from physical and psychological consequences to this day," she added.

Under its State Plan 14.25, East Germany introduced a state-sponsored doping programme in 1974 to "demonstrate the supposed superiority of socialism," Zupke wrote. 

By 1989, between 10,000 and 15,000 young people had been regularly doped - predominantly with anabolic steroids - without their knowledge or consent. This was a "flagrant political abuse," said Zupke.

In her view, a law is required that grants those affected access to a social compensation scheme, offering monthly payments which, depending on the extent of the harm suffered, could amount to several hundred euros.

East German athletes still hold two official athletics world records: the women's 400 metres and the women's discus. These are seen as highly controversial due to the state doping programme.

Zupke gave a positive assessment of legislative measures adopted in early 2025 for other victims of the Socialist Unity Party (SED) dictatorship. 

The move introduced a new hardship fund providing former victims of political persecution with individual support - ranging from travel grants to the purchase of an e-bike or the conversion of a bathroom to make it suitable for older people. 

So far, 300 people have benefited from these payments.

"Our reunified country is on the right track to providing the best possible support and recognition for the victims of the SED dictatorship," said Zupke. 

"But the shadow of the dictatorship is long: many victims continue to suffer from the health consequences."

"That is why we must not slacken our efforts," Zupke added. "Our democracy will not leave the victims of the SED dictatorship to fend for themselves."

The Berlin Wall fell in November 1989 and Germany was reunited in October 1990.