Wat-Not Staff
Swimming Australia has terminated coach Michael Palfrey following his controversial remarks about South Korean swimmer Kim Woo-min during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Palfrey, who was part of the Australian swim team’s coaching staff, publicly expressed his hope that Kim Woo-min would win the men’s 400 metres freestyle, a race in which Australian swimmers Sam Short and Elijah Winnington were also competing.
Palfrey’s Controversial Comments
Days before the Olympics, Palfrey expressed his support for Kim Woo-min in a media interview, stating, “I really hope (Kim) can win, but ultimately, I really hope he swims well.
Go Korea.” His comments were intended as a gesture of sportsmanship but were perceived as a lack of support for his own team.
This resulted in backlash from Australian officials and the Australian Olympic Committee, who deemed his statements a serious lapse in judgement.
Immediate Dismissal:
Swimming Australia decided to terminate Palfrey’s contract immediately.
According to a statement from SA CEO Rob Woodhouse, Palfrey’s remarks were deemed to have caused significant damage to both his own and Swimming Australia’s reputation.
Despite his apology to team members, including Australian swimmers like Winnington and Short, the organisation decided to part ways with him to protect its interests and uphold its values.
Palfrey had also coached swimmers Zac Incerti, Abbey Connor, and Alex Perkins, alongside breaststroker Sam Williamson.
During the Paris Games, Germany’s Lukas Maertens won the 400m freestyle, with Winnington securing silver and Kim Woo-min finishing in third place.
Swimming Australia announced on Friday that it had terminated Palfrey’s contract for violating his employment agreement.
They stated that Palfrey damaged both his and the organisation’s reputation and negatively impacted their interests. However, he will keep his coach accreditation.
Palfrey, who had previously advised Kim, was instructed along with other Australian coaches to cut ties with non-Australian swimmers in March, four months before the Olympics.
Germany’s Lukas Märtens won the gold medal in the men’s 400-metre freestyle, with Australia’s Elijah Winnington taking silver and Kim Woo-min winning bronze.
Australia’s head swim coach, Rohan Taylor, criticised Palfrey’s comments as “un-Australian” and said he might be sent home. However, Palfrey was eventually allowed to stay in Paris.
Taylor expressed his disappointment, saying, “It’s unacceptable for a coach to promote another athlete over our own.”
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