Olympic coach SACKED by furious Swimming Australia after bizarre ‘Go Korea’ comments at Paris Games

Swimming Australia has sacked Olympic coach Michael Palfrey following bizarre comments at the Paris Games where he declared he wanted to see a South Korean athlete beat rival Australian stars in the pool.

At the time, head coach Rohan Taylor labelled Palfrey’s choice of words ‘un-Australian.’

Palfrey told bemused reporters he hoped world champion swimmer Kim Woo-min –  who he was advising separately in a mentor capacity –  would defeat Australian medal hopefuls Elijah Winnington and Sam Short in the men’s 400m freestyle final at La Défense Arena.

‘I really hope he can win, but ultimately, I really hope he swims well,’ Palfrey reportedly said.

‘We need Woo-min to lift, that’s what I’ll be saying to him. He’s got to race tough.’

Astonishingly, Palfrey – who was wearing an official Australian shirt as a member of the coaching staff – then said: ‘Go Korea.’

‘Swimming Australia has terminated Michael Palfrey’s employment due to a breach of his employment agreement,’ the governing body told the Sydney Morning Herald.

‘Palfrey was found to have breached his employment contract by bringing himself into disrepute and causing serious damage to his and Swimming Australia’s reputation, and adversely affecting Swimming Australia’s interests.

At the time, head coach Rohan Taylor labelled Palfrey’s choice of words ‘un-Australian’ and said the matter would be ‘dealt with’ post Paris

Ultimately, South Korean Kim Woo-min finished third in the 400m freestyle behind Aussie Elijan Winnington, who snared silver. The final was won by Germany’s Lukas Märtens

‘CEO Rob Woodhouse confirmed Palfrey’s employment has ended effective immediately and the process to find a successor for Palfrey at USC Spartans has begun.

‘Palfrey retains his coach accreditation status. Swimming Australia will be making no further comment.’

Aside from losing his six-figure Swimming Australia salary, Palfrey has also been relieved of his role with USC Spartans on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

In Paris, a seething Taylor and the Australian Olympic Committee called out Palfrey for his conflicting comments.

Palfrey stayed in Paris during the Games, as there was a concern the incident could be a distraction for the Dolphins swim squad if he was sent home in disgrace.

‘It’s just un-Australian, to be honest. I’m not here to defend that,’ Taylor said at the Olympics. 

‘As far as what happens post the Games, that will be dealt with.

‘I’m very critical of him. I was angry. I made sure he knew that. I believe it was a very bad error of judgment and the consequences for that will be coming in the future when we get back home.’

In July, Australian chef de mission Anna Meares said Palfrey’s comments were ‘a conflict and a serious error of judgment.’

Ultimately, South Korean Woo-min finished third in the 400m freestyle behind Winnington, who snared silver.

The final was won by Germany’s Lukas Märtens.