Kitty Chiller, the former chief executive of Gymnastics Australia — and now deputy CEO of the National Sports Tribunal — has been sanctioned by an international gymnastics body.
Chiller, who stepped down from her role in gymnastics earlier this year, has been banned from representing the International Gymnastics Federation for two years following "judging irregularities" at the 2021 Oceania Continental Championships in rhythmic gymnastics.
Gymnastics Australia (GA) must also pay a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs ($7,200) as part of the determination by the Disciplinary Commission of the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation, a body that adjudicates disputes in global gymnastics.
GA and Chiller, as well as two judges and a technical director who were also sanctioned, have 21 days to appeal.
Chiller — who is also a member of the Australian Olympic Committee executive — declined to provide more information on the irregularities or indicate whether she would accept the sanctions when contacted by the ABC through her employer.
The claimed irregularities stem from the Oceania Championships in May last year which doubled as a selection trial for the 2021 Olympics.
On 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 a "technical irregularity" affected the event.
A statement provided to the ABC declined to provide more detail about the competition, but said the organisation was aware of the decision and it "will take some time to consider the decision and next steps for the organisation and the sport."
"As the individuals concerned have 21 days to lodge an appeal against the sanctions, Gymnastics Australia will reserve any further comment on the matter at this time."
When queried earlier this year about the competition by the ABC, GA provided a one-line statement:
"The results of the 2021 Continental Championships for all gym sports were ratified by the International Gymnastics Federation."
Commonwealth Games silver medallist Mary-Anne Monckton questioned on social media whether Chiller should remain part of the National Sports Tribunal, which acts as an impartial forum for resolving complaints within Australian sport.
The National Sports Tribunal issued a statement to the ABC, saying it had "noted" the decision but that the events occurred prior to Chiller's appointment with the organisation.
It also stated: "Ms Chiller has had, and will have, no involvement in any Gymnastics matters (of any sort) which come to the NST."
A statement from the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) said the organisation notes the actions taken and "while qualification events are a matter for individual sporting federations, the AOC has had full confidence in the integrity of the nomination and selection process".
"The AOC is not aware of the nature nor the details of the matter and further notes there is scope for an appeal."
The ABC has previously reported that Chiller's office was involved in drafting the gymnastics complaints process that subsequently blocked a complaint against her.
The Australian gymnastics team for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham is expected to be announced within days.
