- Accusations have been made by a former colleague
- Questions have been raised as to why he was appointed.
- Gymnastics Australia’s integrity unit to investigate
High-performance gymnastics coach Jeb Silsbury has withdrawn from the Australian Olympic team just days before leaving for Paris following allegations of inappropriate behaviour made by a former colleague.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has confirmed that Silsbury, who was to accompany the Australian women’s gymnastics team, has withdrawn after the ABC I brought the accusations to their attention.
The allegations include claims he made comments about his colleague’s body and slapped her on the bottom.
Silsbury’s withdrawal has raised questions about his initial selection.
A gymnastics judge, who asked to remain anonymous, criticised Gymnastics Australia’s decision to select Silsbury, saying it was problematic given the unresolved allegations.
“They claim to be a sport with integrity and yet they allow this person to continue working in our sport,” the judge said.
“They are failing in their duty of care to the athletes and those who have reported this man.”
The judge said Silsbury’s selection for the Olympic team was “fundamentally flawed,” suggesting she should not have been allowed to travel with the team until the allegations were thoroughly investigated.
High performance gymnastics coach Jeb Silsbury has withdrawn from the Australian gymnastics team for the Paris Olympics
Silsbury has resigned after a former colleague made allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
The AOC spokesperson said the organization was not aware of any integrity issues regarding Silsbury at the time of her nomination.
“The AOC is committed to protecting all team members and has requirements in place for supporting those under the age of 18,” the spokesperson said.
Silsbury declined to comment when asked by ABC. Daily Mail Australia has also contacted Silsbury for comment.
The situation has also cast doubt on Gymnastics Australia’s (GA) coaching selection process for the Paris Games, which begin later this month.
Silsbury’s appointment and removal will be investigated by the AG’s integrity unit
GA did not address specific questions about its selection policies or whether it was aware of the allegations against Silsbury.
A GA spokeswoman said: ‘All of 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.
‘Complaints made to Gymnastics Australia are investigated through our integrity unit.’
Silsbury currently works at the Cheltenham Youth Club in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs and is the personal trainer to an Olympic debutant.
