Kitty Chiller, the former chief executive of Gymnastics Australia – and now deputy chief executive of the National Sports Tribunal – has been sanctioned by an international gymnastics body.
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Core items:
- Kitty Chiller was sanctioned by an international gymnastics federation for “judging irregularities”.
- She left her role as CEO of Gymnastics Australia to become Deputy CEO of the National Sports Tribunal
- Chiller has 21 days to appeal
Chiller, who resigned from her role in gymnastics earlier this year, was banned from representing the International Gymnastics Federation for two years following “irregularity assessments” at the 2021 Continental Oceanic Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships.
Gymnastics Australia (GA) must also pay a fine of 5,000 Swiss Francs (US$7,200) as part of the decision of the Disciplinary Committee of the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation, a body that decides disputes in global gymnastics.
GA and Chiller, along with two judges and a technical director, who were also sanctioned, have 21 days to appeal.
Chiller – who is also a member of the executive of the Australian Olympic Committee – declined to provide any further information about the irregularities or whether she would accept the sanctions if contacted by the ABC through her employer.
The alleged irregularities stem from the Oceania Championships in May last year, which also served as the selection process for the 2021 Olympics.
That day, Lidiia Iakovleva narrowly beat Alexandra Kiroi-Bogatyreva in the individual competition to secure her place in Tokyo.
GA previously noted on its website that a “technical irregularity” affected the event.
A statement provided to the ABC declined to give further details about the competition but said the organization was aware of the decision and it “will take time to consider the decision and the next steps for the organization and the sport”.
“As the individuals concerned have 21 days to appeal the sanctions, Gymnastics Australia reserves further comment on the matter at this time.”
When asked about the contest by ABC earlier this year, GA issued a one-line statement:
“The results of the 2021 Continental Championships for all fitness sports have been ratified by the International Gymnastics Federation.”
Commonwealth Games silver medalist Mary-Anne Monckton took to social media to question whether Chiller should remain part of the National Sports Tribunal, which acts as an impartial forum for settling grievances in Australian sport.
The National Sports Tribunal issued a statement to the ABC saying it had “taken note” of the decision but the events had occurred prior to Chiller’s appointment to the organization.
It also states: “Ms. Chiller has not been and will not have any involvement in gymnastics matters (of any kind) coming to the NST.”
The ABC previously reported that Chiller’s office was involved in drafting the gymnastics complaints procedure, which subsequently blocked a complaint against her.
The Australian gymnastics team for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham is expected to be announced within a few days.