LONDON, Swimming Australia has terminated the contract of coach Michael Palfrey following comments he made in support of South Korean swimmer Kim Woo-min during the Paris Olympics. Palfrey, who had previously worked as an advisor for Kim, voiced his hope that the South Korean athlete would win the men’s 400-meter freestyle, a race featuring two Australian swimmers.
Palfrey told South Korean media, “I really hope he can win, but ultimately, I really hope he swims well,” and added, “Go Korea!” Despite remaining in his coaching role during the Olympics, Swimming Australia announced on Friday that his contract had been terminated for breaching his employment agreement.
In a statement to CNN, Swimming Australia said Palfrey had brought himself into disrepute, damaging his own and the organization’s reputation.
CEO Rob Woodhouse confirmed Palfrey’s immediate departure and announced the search for his successor at USC Spartans.
