Australian coach criticised for backing Korean Kim

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

Palfrey, who is one of the Australian team’s coaches and also works with Woo-min, made a “serious error of judgement” according to the Australian Olympic Committee.

Australian duo Sam Short and Elijah Winnington are contenders alongside reigning 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 who think they can win it.

“I think everything will be decided in those last 100 meters.

“We need Woo-min to step up, that’s what I’ll tell him. He has to compete hard.

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

Australian team chef de mission Anna Meares said Palfrey’s comments came as a “surprise and a shock”.

Australian head swimming coach Rohan Taylor is due to hold talks with Palfrey, who is still with the team, on Thursday about possible further action on the matter.

“The fact that he commented that the athlete won against the Australian team is the biggest problem,” Meares added.

“It is clear that any decision taken will be in the best interest of the athletes from a performance perspective and from a welfare perspective.”

It is not uncommon for Olympic swimming coaches to work with multiple countries independently.

However, in April, Swimming Australia told Olympic team coaches not to enter into new deals with overseas swimmers.

Palfrey coaches three Australian Olympic swimmers: 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, where the men’s 400m freestyle event is scheduled for Saturday.