How one simple word ruined the career of a children’s gymnastics coach and turned his life upside down: ‘It’s worst thing someone could accuse you of doing’

A gymnastics coach’s reputation has been destroyed after he was accused of sexually objectifying teenage girls in an email because he used the word ‘beautiful’.

Lindsay Nylund, 65, was fired from his coaching role at the Canada City Council’s Five Dock Leisure Center in Sydney’s inner west in May.

The popular Australian gymnast, who competed in the 1980 Summer Olympics and won medals at the 1978 Commonwealth Games, had worked at the center for about two-and-a-half years.

But Mr Nylund landed in hot water when he sent an email about his gymnastics team after a competition win.

“Hello everyone, our beautiful FDLC Level 8 Women’s Artistic Gymnasts,” he wrote in the Feb. 19 email.

A gymnastics coach’s reputation has been destroyed after he was accused of sexually objectifying teenage girls in an email because he used the word ‘beautiful’.

“All achieved a top six placing in their respective divisions at the first state trial competition of the year.”

Community, culture and leisure director Russell Wolfe said in a follow-up email: ‘Thanks for the update Lindsay – congratulations to all involved.’

But that same email resulted in Mr. Nylund after he was accused of sexually objectifying his team because he used the word ‘beautiful’.

Mr Nylund is now unemployed and has struggled to come to terms with the charge.

“It’s traumatic because for a children’s gymnastics coach, that’s probably the worst thing anyone can accuse you of doing,” he said. A current issue.

The father-of-three believed at the time it was a ‘terrible mistake’.

When asked for his thoughts on those who might find his comment inappropriate, Mr. Nylund said it was ‘political correctness gone a little too far’.

“I mean, I think the word beautiful can be used in the wrong context, absolutely,” he said.

“But when you look at the context of how it’s been used, no normal person would read it and think it’s inappropriate.”

During an interview with broadcaster Ben Fordham on Sydney’s 2GB radio earlier this month, Nylund said he was ‘traumatised’ when he was informed of the allegation by letter.

“For a children’s gymnastics coach, it’s probably the kiss of death for your professional reputation and character,” he said.

Lindsay Nylund, 65, was fired from his role as a trainer at Canada City Council’s Five Dock Leisure Center in Sydney’s inner west in May.

A well-known Austrian gymnast, Mr. Nylund competed at the 1980 Summer Olympics and won medals at the 1978 Commonwealth Games

The City of Canada Bay Council also accused My Nylund of “disrespecting the center’s management” when he allegedly allowed the membership fee to be frozen for a week when it was supposed to be two weeks.

He was also accused of having an ‘unapproved dinner’ with the parents of his gymnasts and transporting his team in a car without parental approval to a social event at a local club, which the council said breached practice guidelines safe for children.

Mr Nylund has denied the allegations made by the council.

The council would not comment specifically on the matter.

“The City of Canada Bay does not comment on personnel matters,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

“Additionally, as this matter is subject to legal proceedings, the City of Canada Bay is unable to comment and will continue to treat all information as confidential.”

Mr Nylund has taken the matter to the Industrial Relations Commission.

A four-day session will be held in mid-November.