Schenk quits German national team

Women’s singles world #3 Juliane Schenk announced last week that she would be leaving the German national team.

“‘Unity and justice and freedom’ are desirable for me not only as an anthem at a medal ceremony. They must be reflected as values in my everyday training and competition. And indeed constant, as a working basis and not tactical, as required. I miss that in the German Badminton Association,” Schenk wrote, the opening quote coming from the German national anthem.

“I can only confirm accusations of ‘disrespect’, which are now making the rounds. There is a lack of respect regarding my person, particularly with regard to my work philosophy. I do not disagree to the reproach of ‘disrespect’ from my trainer to me, supported by the executive committee of the German association.  I actually have lost respect with regard to the machinations of our association. Power should come from doing!” her statement continues, closing with, “Now we go our separate ways. I resign from the national team at the end of 2013.”

The move comes less than three weeks before Schenk begins her title defense at the Li-Ning Singapore Open Superseries.  Last month, she was one of two surprise absentees from Germany’s Sudirman Cup squad.

In response to Schenk’s decision, Martin Kranitz, Director of Sport for the German Badminton Association (DBV), told the German Press Agency (dpa): “There are rules in the interaction between us and the players. Juliane had trouble with that. At the end, nothing fit together.”