Koch, who is considered one of the most successful coaches in German sport, was recognised for her strong commitment to equality between men and women.

She guided her nation to a sixth-place finish at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in August, with one gold medal and one bronze.

Fabian Hambüchen triumphed in the horizontal bar, while Sophie Scheder beat compatriot Elisabeth Seitz to bronze in the uneven bars.

Petra Tzschoppe, vice-president of the DOSB's women and equality arm, said Koch "contributes immensely to the opportunities for women and men in the coaching profession".

She also emphasised how the experienced coach supports her athletes not only in performance, but also in the development of their personalities.

"It gives them confidence in their abilities beyond sport, thus promoting not just athletes, but self-confident personalities," added Tzschoppe.

Hambüchen’s victory in Rio de Janeiro secured Germany’s first Olympic gold medal in gymnastics since Anna Dogonadze won the women’s individual trampoline event at Athens 2004.

The country finished joint-ninth at Beijing 2008 with one silver and one bronze, and were 11th four years later in London with three silvers.