Rhythmic gymnastic coaches probed in abuse case

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 29 - A top Italian rhythmic gymnastic coach and her Russian assistant have been placed under investigation in a probe into alleged abuse of young athletes, judicial sources said Thursday.
    Emanuela Maccarani, technical director of the International Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy of Desio near Monza, is under investigation by the Prosecutor's Office of Monza for alleged mistreatment of young athletes, the sources said.
    Maccarani, who was suspended by the Federation when the news of the first allegations leaked to the press, sent her colleagues a Whatsapp message to defend her position.
    Russian Olga Tishina, Maccarani's assistant, is also under investigation. (ANSA).