Gymnastics coach Jeb Silsbury steps down from Paris Olympics team

A high-profile gymnastics coach has stepped down just days from flying out to the Paris Olympics after allegations were raised of inappropriate behaviour.

Jeb Silsbury has stepped down as a gymnastics coach for the Paris Olympics.

The Australian Olympic team has been rocked by the withdrawal of a high profile gymnastics coach on the eve of the Paris Games.

Gymnastics coach Jeb Silsbury, who was due to fly out to the Paris Olympics on Friday, stepped down as a team coach on Thursday, after the ABC raised the allegations of inappropriate behaviour with the AOC.

It is alleged that Mr Silsbury made comments about his colleague’s breasts and “slapped” her bottom. He withdrew after media inquiries were made into the allegation.

News Corp has reached out to Mr Silsbury for comment.

Under the AOC rules, all athletes and officials are required to reveal whether they have been involved in any integrity related issues before their place on the team is confirmed.

Under its athlete and officials eligibility, the AOC retains the right not to select anyone it considers may have breached regulations contained in its Ethical Behaviour By-Laws or other policies.

Gymnastics coach Jeb Silsbury, who was due to fly out to the Paris Olympics on Friday. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

It’s understood the allegations against Mr Silsbury have not been fully investigated and the AOC have said they were not aware of them.

A spokesman for the Australian Olympic Committee on Thursday told the ABC the organisation had deselected Mr Silsbury after he withdrew as a coach.

“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,” the spokesman said.

“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.”

Statement from local gym club. Picture: Supplied

Silsbury coaches athlete Kate McDonald who is making her Olympic debut.

Cheltenham Youth Club, where Silsbury also works, reached out to members to assure them there was no “cause” for concern when “recruiting this employee”.

“In response to media coverage today in respect of our CYC coach Jeb Silsbury, CYC would like to assure its members that the CYC coach recruitment policy is firmly aligned with the GA Integrity Policy and at no time during the recruitment process was there any cause for concern when recruiting this employee,” an email said.