Jamie Pittman Withdraws from Coaching at Paris Olympics

Boxing Australia's national coach, Jamie Pittman, has made the decision to withdraw from coaching at the upcoming Paris Olympics following allegations of bullying and sexual misconduct towards female fighters. The accusations, which included 11 breaches of the code of conduct, were brought forward by the Combat Institute of Australia after tours conducted last year.

The National Sports Tribunal, an independent government body responsible for resolving sports-related disputes, heard compelling evidence against Pittman last month. Pittman, 42, expressed feelings of shame and embarrassment during the proceedings and acknowledged that certain comments he made were inappropriate.

Ultimately, Pittman chose not to contest the findings and withdrew his expression of interest to coach at the Olympics, citing his desire not to cause further stress or anxiety to the athletes preparing for the Games. Despite being contacted for comment, Pittman declined to elaborate on the allegations but confirmed his absence from the Olympics, stating that he had not applied for a coaching position.

Pittman, a former Olympian himself, had been appointed as the national coach in late 2021. The National Sports Tribunal recommended a six-month suspension starting from November 9, 2023, along with the requirement for Pittman to issue written apologies to his victims and undergo counseling.

In light of these developments, it is evident that the repercussions of Pittman's actions have had a significant impact on his coaching career and reputation within the boxing community. The decision to withdraw from the Paris Olympics underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the importance of upholding ethical standards in sports coaching.