Swimming Australia Fires Coach for Supporting Rival Athlete
Swimming Australia has terminated the employment of coach Michael Palfrey following controversial comments he made during the Paris Olympics. Palfrey expressed his support for South Korean swimmer Kim Woo-min, hoping he would defeat Australian athletes in the men’s 400-meter freestyle event.
Palfrey’s remarks, made to South Korean television, drew widespread criticism. Swimming Australia deemed his actions a breach of his employment agreement, stating that he had “brought himself into disrepute and caused serious damage to his and Swimming Australia’s reputation.”
Prior to the Olympics, Palfrey had been instructed to cease any association with non-Australian swimmers. However, he had previously worked with Kim as an adviser.
Australia’s head swim coach, Rohan Taylor, condemned Palfrey’s comments as “un-Australian” and initially threatened to send him home from Paris. Ultimately, Palfrey was allowed to remain, but his actions have now resulted in his dismissal.
Palfrey’s termination serves as a reminder of the ethical obligations coaches have to their athletes and their country. His comments not only undermined the Australian team but also damaged the reputation of Swimming Australia.
Despite Palfrey’s departure, Kim Woo-min went on to win the bronze medal in the men’s 400-meter freestyle, behind Germany’s Lukas Märtens and Australia’s Elijah Winnington.