An Australian gymnastics coach selected for the Paris Olympics is accused of making comments about a former colleague's breasts and calling her a 'minion'.
A gymnastics coach selected to accompany the Australian women's team to the Paris Olympics has withdrawn from the event, after allegations of inappropriate behaviour made by a former colleague came to light.The Australian Olympic Committee said it had not been aware of any integrity matters related to Jeb Silsbury when he was selected, and that it was committed to safeguarding all team members.
Questions have been raised as to whether Mr Silsbury should have been selected until allegations could be fully probed.A spokesman for the Australian Olympic Committee on Thursday said the organisation had deselected Mr Silsbury after he withdrew as a coach. "All our members and participants have an obligation to protect and maintain the integrity of sport, as well as the health and wellbeing of our athletes," a spokeswoman said.Mr Silsbury, who currently works at the Cheltenham Youth Club in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs, is the personal coach to an Olympic debutante.
The woman, who does not want to be named because she is still coaching high-performance gymnastics, said she saw inappropriate behaviour several times throughout Mr Silsbury's employment at the Waverley centre."I was constantly bullied … and intimidated put down in front of the athletes. I certainly was made to feel like I was the inferior of the partnership, and he's the alpha," she said.
"On one of the other days before, on the comp floor, he said I filled out my top really well," she said. He was ultimately terminated after multiple complaints by the woman were found to be substantiated by the centre. "Clubs are desperate and they will turn a blind eye to things if they can get a high-calibre gymnast and a coach with a lot of experience."According to Gymnastics Australia's selection policy, which is available on its website, coaches can be selected for national teams if they are not currently serving a sanction or under investigation for breaching any policy within the sport's national integrity framework.
"They're failing in their duty of care to the athletes and they're failing in their duty of care to those who have reported against him."
Gymnastics Australia Jeb Silbury Olympics Paris Olympics Olympics Coach Coach
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Largest ever Australian gymnastics team named for Paris Olympic GamesAustralia names its largest-ever gymnastics squad for the Paris Games, featuring the youngest Australian rhythmic gymnast in 40 years and the youngest male trampoline gymnast ever.
Read more »
Paris Olympic Games will be Melissa Wu's fifth after being named to Australian diving teamMelissa Wu will become just the ninth diver to compete at five or more Olympic Games after being named in the Australia team for Paris 2024 on Monday.
Read more »
A look at Higher, the Australian Olympic song for Paris 2024 by Jessica MauboyJessica Mauboy has unveiled the Australian Olympic team song for Paris 2024. Mauboy will perform the song, called Higher, in France.
Read more »
Double gold for Australian skateboarders ahead of Paris OlympicsKeegan Palmer and Arisa Trew have stamped themselves as the skateboarders to beat at the Paris Olympics, both winning the final qualification event in Budapest
Read more »
From Emma McKeon to Patty Mills: Australian athletes to watch at the Paris OlympicsAs the 2024 Paris Olympics draw closer, Australia's team has officially been named. Here are some of the key athletes to watch.
Read more »
Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson named in Opals team for Paris Olympics7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »