Australian swimming coach fired for supporting Korean athlete during Paris Olympics

CNN —

Swimming Australia has terminated the contract of coach Michael Palfrey after he voiced support for a South Korean athlete at the Paris Olympics, the governing body confirmed in a statement to CNN.

Palfrey had said that he hoped South Korean swimmer Kim Woo-min would win the men’s 400-meter freestyle in Paris, a race which also featured two Australian competitors.

According to AP, Palfrey had previously worked with Kim as an advisor, telling South Korean media: “I really hope he can win, but ultimately, I really hope he swims well,” adding, “Go Korea!”

Palfrey remained in his coaching position during the Olympics, but on Friday, Swimming Australia said in a statement to CNN that his contract had been terminated “due to a breach of his employment agreement.”

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The statement added: “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 finding a successor for Palfrey at USC Spartans has begun.”

Swimming Australia also said that Palfrey will retain his coaching accreditation status.

CNN has contacted the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), where Palfrey worked as head coach of the high-performance swim team, for comment.

CNN has also reached out to USC for comment from Palfrey, who has not commented publicly on the matter.

Kim ultimately finished