Shamed German Athletics Coach Convicted of Doping Minors
March 20, 2006
The 47-year-old Springstein, who must also complete 150 hours community service, has a week to appeal the ruling.
Back in September 2004, Springstein, a one-time coach for the German Athletics Association (DLV), had his house raided after female sprinter Anne-Kathrin Elbe claimed the coach offered her banned substances as a 17-year-old.
Illegal substances were then discovered at the house of the 47-year-old Springstein who was accused of supplying drugs to minors.
He was also accused of giving injections to one of his female athletes to treat an injury despite not having a viable medical permit.
Springstein once coached some of Germany's finest athletes including the 800m Olympic champion from Sydney, Nils Schumann.
Schumann severed his ties with Springstein when the drug revelations came to light.
Brightest stars suspended for steroid use
Springstein also coached East German track stars Katrin Krabbe and Grit Breuer who were both suspended for two years for using the banned steroid clenbuterol in 1992.
Krabbe won the 100m and 200m world titles in 1991 while Breuer, who is Springstein's partner, won the 1990 European title at 400 meters.