Australia Boxing head coach pulls out of Olympics over ‘disgusting’ sexual misconduct

Boxing Australia’s head coach has admitted to “disgusting” sexual misconduct involving female fighters and has withdrawn from the Paris Olympics.

Jamie Pittman apologized to the National Sports Tribunal, which issued damning findings about his behaviour.

Pittman, national coach since 2021, withdrew from the Paris Olympics and the court recommended a six-month suspension.

The court found that Pittman’s conduct was “variously described as ‘disgusting,’ ‘shocking,’ ‘inappropriate,’ ‘rude,’ and ‘offensive.'”

“[It] “made those who witnessed it feel embarrassed and uncomfortable with Mr. Pittman,” the court said.

“Common in nine of the 11 cases of prohibited conduct are inappropriate comments or conduct that involves the sexual objectification of women and that is childish, childish, and lacking sensitivity or awareness.

“Especially for someone of Mr. Pittman’s seniority and standing in the boxing community who should lead by example.

Pittman also stepped down from the Australian Olympic Committee’s Indigenous Advisory Committee “for the immediate future”.

He also sits on the Australian Boxing Selection Panel, Boxing Australia Coaches Advisory Committee and Indigenous Advisory Committee.

The court found an alarming frequency of crime between July 16 and October 26 last year.

“The prohibited conduct was not an isolated incident,” he said.

“The conduct comprised 11 separate incidents at two separate team camps overseas and… is part of a general pattern of behaviour.”

One incident was described as “a sexually lewd act in the presence of a female athlete under the care of Mr. Pittman.”

“Pittman does not contend, nor could he reasonably contend, that any part of his conduct comprised honest and reasonable error,” the court said.

“In reality, Mr. Pittman’s unacceptable and sometimes childish behavior achieved the opposite result: several athletes and other support staff were left confused, bewildered and uncomfortable by his behavior.”

The court recommended a six-month suspension retroactive to November last year and apologized in writing to a team physiotherapist and at least two athletes.

Pittman must also complete an anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, anti-bullying and anti-sexual misconduct training course within 60 days.

AAP