Australian Coach Faces Backlash Over Comments

Australian swimming coach Michael Palfrey is facing potential disciplinary action from the Australian Olympic Committee after publicly expressing his hope that South Korean swimmer Kim Woo-min would win the men's 400 meters freestyle, which also features Australian athletes Sam Short and Elijah Winnington. Palfrey made these comments during a poolside interview with South Korean media, where he emphasized the competitiveness of the race and concluded with 'go Korea.' His remarks have been labeled a 'serious error of judgement' by Australian Olympic officials, who had previously instructed coaches to sever ties with non-Australian athletes to avoid conflicts of interest. Despite his apology, the Australian Olympic Committee and Swimming Australia are investigating the situation, with discussions regarding possible sanctions expected to follow. Palfrey has expressed his enjoyment in coaching both Kim and Australian swimmers, highlighting the collaborative nature of his coaching experience. The incident has raised concerns about the focus and loyalty of coaches during the upcoming Paris Olympics.