Australian Olympic swimming coach fired after ‘Go Korea’ controversy

Swimming Australia sacked a member of its Olympic coaching staff on Friday, saying the coach had caused serious reputational damage by supporting a South Korean athlete competing against his compatriots.

Coach Michael Palfrey caused a stir when he said he hoped Kim Woo-min – whom he once coached – would win the men's 400m freestyle instead of two Australians.

Head coach Rohan Taylor said Palfrey's behaviour was “un-Australian” but the team did not sack him at the time because it would have been too disruptive.

“Swimming Australia has terminated the employment of Michael Palfrey due to a breach of his employment contract,” the governing body Swimming Australia said on Friday.

“Palfrey was found to have breached his contract of employment by bringing himself into disrepute and causing serious harm to his reputation and that of Swimming Australia and to the detriment of Swimming Australia's interests.”

Palfrey worked with Australian swimmers Zac Incerti, Abbey Connor and Alex Perkins.

But he also mentored South Korean Kim as he trained ahead of the Brisbane Games.

Palfrey wore the Australian team colours when he was interviewed by South Korean journalists and asked about Kim.

“I really hope he can win, but most of all I hope he swims well,” Palfrey said.

(This article has not been edited by News18's editorial team and is taken from the feed of a syndicated news agency – AFP.)