Australian swimming coach Michael Palfrey sacked after ‘Go Korea’ comment during Olympics
Australian swimming coach Michael Palfrey has been sacked.
The decision has been made after Palfrey conducted a controversial interview at the Olympics where he uttered the words “Go Korea” and talked up the chances of South Korean swimmer Kim Woo-min.
At the time, it was decided by head coach Rohan Taylor to keep Palfrey on, but he stressed that it was an “ongoing discussion for when we return home”.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Now, that discussion has been had and the true fallout has been revealed.
“Swimming Australia has terminated Michael Palfrey’s employment due to a breach of his employment agreement,” the governing body said on Friday.
“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.
“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.”
Palfrey’s interview was certainly eyebrow-raising, saying he “really” hoped world champion Kim Woo-min would win the gold medal in the 400m freestyle event despite the fact he was racing against Australians.
“He can win, but ultimately, I really hope he swims well,” Palfrey said.
“I’m very good friends with the Australian coaches and swimmers but I have really enjoyed coaching Kim as well ...
He then ended the interview with: “Go Korea.”
Immediately after Palfrey’s interview Taylor described the comments as “un-Australian”.
“I am extremely disappointed,” he said.
“For a coach on our team to promote another athlete ahead of our athletes is not acceptable.”
In the immediate aftermath, Palfrey told Australian officials he was “very sorry” for the comments.
He was one of eight Australian Dolphins coaches, and directly looked after Zac Incerti, Abbey Connor and Alex Perkins.
South Korean swimmers Kim, Lee Yoo-yeon, Yang Jae-hoon, Lee Ho-joon and Hwang Sun-woo had all travelled to Queensland to train under Palfrey in the past, with the blessing of Swimming Australia.
