Michael Palfrey Faces Backlash for Supporting Kim Woo-min

Michael Palfrey, the Australian Olympic swimming coach has faced scrutiny from team officials after expressing his hope that South Korean swimmer Kim Woo-min wins the 400m freestyle gold at the Paris Olympics. The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) criticized Palfrey for a “serious error of judgment” since he coaches both Kim and Australian swimmers.

Australia’s Sam Short and Elijah Winnington along with world champion Kim Woo-min are all competing for the gold medal. In an interview with South Korean media, 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 expressed her surprise and shock at Palfrey’s comments, noting that the focus would be on the best interests of the athletes. Australian head swimming coach Rohan Taylor will discuss the matter with Palfrey, who remains with the team to determine if further action is necessary. Although it’s common for Olympic swimming coaches to work with multiple nations on a freelance basis, Swimming Australia had instructed coaches not to enter new arrangements with foreign swimmers as of April.

Michael Palfrey, who coaches Australian swimmers Zac Incerti, Abbey Connor and Alex Perkins has also worked with South Korean swimmers while they trained in Australia. The men’s 400m freestyle event is set for Saturday in Paris.