Michael Palfrey may not have thought it through when spoke to South Korean media at the Olympics. He also may not have thought have given it much thought when he praised 400m free swimmer Kim Woo-min. “I really hope he (Woo-min) can win, but ultimately I really hope he swims well.” the coach said. However, the statement landed him in troubled waters with Swimming Australia.

Unfortunately for Palfrey, two Australian athletes Elijah Winnington and Sam Short were also set to compete in the event. An Australian coach rooting for his opponent nation’s athletes over those under his tutelage sparked massive controversy. Now, over a month after the incident in Paris 2024, the Australian governing body has sacked the USC Spartans coach.

“Swimming Australia has terminated Michael Palfrey’s employment due to a breach of his employment agreement… 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.” read the official statement.

While Kim Woo-min didn’t beat silver medalist Winnington, he beat Sam Short to the podium, winning bronze. The foremost governing body in Australia allowed Palfrey to remain in Paris despite the transgression. Yet, the team’s head coach Rohan Taylor expressed his disapproval during a press conference in Paris. “I’m very disappointed. Extremely disappointed,” said Taylor.

“For a coach in our team to promote another athlete ahead of our athletes is not acceptable. I’ve spoken to Michael about that.” Taylor told The Sydney Morning Herald. Yet, why would an Australian coach root for a South Korean athlete? Well, that’s because he worked with multiple Korean swimmers, including Woo-min until March 2024.

Swimming Australia issued a directive instructing coaches to cut ties with non-Australian athletes in the lead-up to the Olympics. While coach Michael Palfrey complied, he couldn’t resist offering some words of encouragement to Woo-min ahead of the event. Interestingly, this gesture didn’t stir up the expected controversy. Fans and even the Austrian silver medalist viewed the moment through a different lens, interpreting it as a display of sportsmanship rather than a breach of protocol.

Elijah Winnington and swimming fans had a different perspective

“I couldn’t care less. Mick’s come and apologized. I don’t think he meant what he said.” Winnington told the press in Paris. The swimmer even vouched for Palfrey as a coach and mentor. “He’s a great guy and great coach,” added Winnington. Similarly, many fans also failed to find the scandal in the swimming coach’s statement. “Do you have him quoted as saying he wants Woo-min to beat our guys? Because this is hardly a scandal…” a netizen commented on X.

Meanwhile, another fan pointed out how common it was for coaches and athletes from different countries to work together. “He’s excited for a swimmer he coached to do well. As long as he isn’t providing inside information to Korea that he gained as part of being on the Olympic staff, then I don’t see a problem. Coaches are allowed to coach swimmers from other countries & be excited for them.”

Legendary American coach Bob Bowman, who famously guided Michael Phelps to greatness, played a crucial role in shaping France’s Leon Marchand into a dominant force in the pool. Under Bowman’s tutelage, Marchand shone brightly in Paris, securing four gold medals and a bronze. Despite this, Australia’s top swimming organization surprised many by dismissing Palfrey, a decision that contrasted sharply with the widespread admiration from fans. However, they clarified that Palfrey, who also serves as coach of the USC Spartans, remains an accredited trainer despite the dismissal.