Australian Olympic Coach Rebuked for Controversial Comments on Rival Swimmer

Australian Olympic officials reprimanded coach Michael Palfrey for expressing support for South Korean swimmer Kim Woo-min over Australian competitors in the 400 meters freestyle. Palfrey's comments were deemed a 'serious error of judgement.' He remains with the team but may face further sanctions after internal discussions.

Australian Olympic officials have admonished one of the team's coaches, Michael Palfrey, for expressing hope that his South Korean athlete, Kim Woo-min, would triumph over his Australian rivals in the 400 meters freestyle competition starting on Saturday.

Palfrey's remarks to South Korean media, where he expressed support for Kim in an event where Australia's Sam Short and Elijah Winnington are also contenders, caused a stir. 'There will be three or four of them in the race that think they can win it,' media reports quoted Palfrey as saying. 'I think it's going to come down to that last 100 meters.' He further added, 'We need Woo-min to lift, that's what I'll be saying to him. He's got to race tough.'

In response, Australian Olympic team officials, led by Anna Meares, rebuked Palfrey, citing a 'serious error of judgement.' Meares noted that while Palfrey remains with the team, he may face further sanctions to ensure the interests and focus of the athletes are maintained. 'Rohan Taylor will be having those conversations after training finishes today,' she said.

(With inputs from agencies.)