A high-profile gymnastics coach has withdrawn from the Australian Olympic team after allegations of inappropriate conduct.
Coach Jeb Silsbury reportedly withdrew from the team on Thursday after allegations of inappropriate behaviour were raised by a former colleague with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC). He was due to depart for Paris on Friday.
The claims allege that Silsbury made remarks about his colleague’s breasts and “slapped” her bottom, as first reported by the ABC.
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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.
Australian Gymnastics coach Jeb Silsbury. Gymnastics Victoria.
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“The AOC understands Mr Silsbury has withdrawn as a coach from the Australian gymnastics team for Paris 2024,” the spokesperson said.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.
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“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 (GA) and Silsbury’s eligibility.
As per GA’s selection policy, coaches can be considered for national teams as long as they are not currently under sanction or being investigated for violating the sport’s regulations.
Wide World of Sports has contacted Gymnastics Australia for comment.
Silbury currently works at the Cheltenham Youth Club in Melbourne and is the personal coach to Olympic debutant Kate McDonald.