Australian coach criticised for backing Korean Kim

Australian Olympic swimming coach Michael Palfrey has been spoken to by team bosses after he said he hoped South Korean swimmer Kim Woo-min beats his Australian rivals to the 400m freestyle gold at the Paris Olympics.

Palfrey, who in addition to being one of the coaches on the Australian team also works with Woo-min, made a “serious error of judgement” according to the Australian Olympic Committee.

Australia duo Sam Short and Elijah Winnington are contenders alongside current world champion Kim for the gold medal.

Speaking to South Korean media, Australian Palfrey said: “There will be three or four of them in the race that think they can win it.

“I think it’s going to come down to that last 100 metres.

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

“I really hope he can win, but ultimately I really hope he swims well.”

Australian Team chef de mission Anna Meares said Palfrey’s comments were a “surprise and a shock”.

Australia head swimming coach Rohan Taylor is set to have a conversation with Palfrey, who is still with the team, on Thursday about potential further action over the matter.

“The fact that he’s commented about the athlete winning against the Australian team, that’s the bigger issue,” Meares added.

“Clearly whatever decision is made will be about the best interests of the athletes from a high-performance perspective and from a wellbeing perspective.”

It is not uncommon for Olympic swimming coaches to work with multiple nations on a freelance basis.

However, in April Swimming Australia told Olympic team coaches not to start new arrangements with foreign swimmers.

Palfrey coaches three Australian swimmers on the Olympic team – Zac Incerti, Abbey Connor and Alex Perkins.

He has also been working with other South Korean swimmers who, like Kim, have trained in Australia.

Palfrey is still in Paris, with the men’s 400m freestyle event to take place on Saturday.