Australian Olympic gymnastics coach withdraws amid misconduct allegations before Paris
Due to claims of improper behaviour, a well-known gymnastics coach withdrew from the Australian Olympic team. According to reports, coach Jeb Silsbury left the team on Thursday following accusations of unethical behaviour made by a former Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) colleague. On Friday, he was supposed to go for Paris.
The claims allege that Silsbury made remarks about his colleague’s breasts and “slapped” her bottom, as first reported by the ABC.
Wide World of Sports is not suggesting Silbsury has engaged in any inappropriate conduct, just that allegations have been made.
Under the AOC rules, all athletes and officials are required to reveal whether they have been involved in any integrity related issue prior to their selection for a national team.
The governing body reserves the right to prohibit the selection of anyone who it considers to have breached the regulations of the Ethical Behaviour By-Laws or other policies.
It is understood the allegations against Silsbury have not been fully investigated and the AOC was unaware of the claims.
A spokesperson for the AOC confirmed with Wide World of Sports that Silsbury has been deselected as coach.
The AOC understands Mr Silsbury has withdrawn as a coach from the Australian gymnastics team for Paris 2024,” the spokesperson said.
“Consequently, he has been deselected. The AOC was not aware of any integrity matters in relation to Mr Silsbury’s nomination for the Australian Olympic Team when considering his suitability for selection.
“Further, all members of the Australian Olympic Team are required to make such declarations when signing the AOC team membership agreement.
“The AOC is committed to safeguarding all team members and have requirements in place to support those that are under 18.
“All Australian team officials are required to complete a Working with Children Check (or equivalent) and sign a statutory declaration confirming that they have not had any child safety offences.
“We have wellbeing officers within the village as an additional safe place for team members to go for support. Our safeguarding officer will also be on the ground in Paris.
“The AOC is committed to the national integrity framework. Complaints can be directed to Sport Integrity Australia or though Gymnastic Australia’s complaints handling mechanisms.”
The allegations have prompted questions regarding the selection processes of Gymnastics Australia and Silsbury’s eligibility.
Under GA’s selection policy, coaches cannot be considered for national teams if they’re under sanction or investigation over violations of the sport’s regulations.
“Gymnastic Australia plays a vital role in supporting and advising member clubs which operate independently of GA – they appoint their own staff and run their own programs,” GA told WWOS in a statement.
Silbury currently works at the Cheltenham Youth Club in Melbourne and is the personal coach to Olympic debutant Kate McDonald.
“Under the National Integrity Framework – within which GA and its members operate – GA has no jurisdiction to intervene in club-led investigations (unless a specific complaint is lodged with Gymnastics Australia) and is not involved in club employment processes,” GA’s statement continued.
“If an individual job candidate is under investigation from GA at the time of seeking employment, GA is able to advise a club of this during the pre-employment background process.
“Jeb Silsbury was not under investigation or facing sanction from Gymnastics Australia at the time of his application and employment with CYC.
“All members of GA and participants in our sport have an obligation to protect the health and wellbeing of our athletes and maintain the integrity of our sport.
“Complaints raised with Gymnastics Australia are investigated through our Integrity Unit and in accordance with Sport Integrity Australia’s National Integrity Framework.”
