Gymnastics coach stood down for allegedly assaulting child at Brisbane gym

A gymnastics coach has been stood down for allegedly assaulting a child at a gym in south-west Brisbane last month.

Officers from the Inala Child Protection and Investigation Unit received a report of a child being physically assaulted by a coach at Splitz Gym in Sumner on September 16.

An investigation into the assault was launched and is continuing.

Gymnastics Australia and Gymnastics Queensland confirmed they were aware of the incident and said strict mandatory reporting requirements have been followed.

“As soon as the club was made aware of the allegation … the matter was immediately escalated to Gymnastics Queensland, Gymnastics Australia, Sport Integrity Australia, and Queensland police,” the organisations said in a joint statement.

“The safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our sport is our highest priority.

“Gymnastics in Australia has zero tolerance for any behaviour that places members or children at risk.

“The club immediately suspended the coach [from any clubs affiliated with Gymnastics Australia] pending an investigation.”

The organisations wrote to parents of the club last week to inform them of the allegations, and encouraged them to report any further information to Sport Integrity Australia.

“Gymnastics Australia and Gymnastics Queensland remain firmly committed to ensuring gymnastics is a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants, and we are focused on supporting the local community through this challenging period,” they said.

“The matter is being managed by Queensland police and we will not be providing further comment on the investigation.”

A police spokesperson said the investigation was continuing.

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