Swimming Australia has dismissed coach Michael Palfrey following his controversial remarks at the Paris Olympics, where he expressed support for a South Korean athlete over Australian swimmers. Palfrey, speaking to South Korean media, stated he hoped Kim Woo-min would win the men's 400-meter freestyle, a race featuring Australians Sam Short and Elijah Winnington. He added, "Go Korea," further escalating the situation.
Swimming Australia said on Friday that Palfrey was terminated for "breach of his employment agreement," adding that his actions had tarnished his and the organization's reputation. Despite losing his job, Palfrey will retain his coaching accreditation. Palfrey was previously advised, along with other Australian coaches, to cease associations with foreign swimmers back in March, months before the Olympics.
Germany's Lukas Märtens ultimately took gold in the 400-meter freestyle at the Paris Games, with Winnington securing silver and Kim clinching the bronze. Head swim coach Rohan Taylor condemned Palfrey's comments as "un-Australian," adding that such behavior by a team coach promoting a non-Australian over home athletes was unacceptable.
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Word count: 192 (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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