An Australian swimming coach has faced criticism after endorsing an athlete competing for another nation in the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics.
Head coach Rohan Taylor labeled Michael Palfrey’s public endorsement of South Korean swimmer Kim Woo-min as “un-Australian.” Taylor indicated that Palfrey might need to return to Australia before the Olympic swimming events commence this weekend.
This year’s swimming competitions will take place at Defense Arena, located in the western suburbs of Paris. “I’m very disappointed. Extremely disappointed,” Taylor expressed. “For a coach on our team to promote another athlete over our athletes is simply unacceptable.”
CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Rohan Taylor, Head Coach of Team Australia, speaks to the media during a Team Australia Swimming Press Conference at the Main Press Centre ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 25, 2024, in Paris, France. (Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
Palfrey, who is part of the Australian delegation for the Olympics, manages the training of three swimmers and also works with another athlete. He had previously coached Kim, the South Korean men’s 400-meter freestyle world champion.
In an interview with South Korean media, Palfrey expressed his hope for Kim to secure gold in that event on the first day of the swimming competitions.
KATIE LEDECKY ADDRESSES CHINA SWIMMING DOPING SCANDAL, AIMS FOR ‘CLEAN’ OLYMPICS
“I genuinely hope he can achieve victory, but primarily, I hope he performs well,” Palfrey remarked. He also added, “Go Korea.”
Taylor mentioned that Palfrey subsequently apologized for what was deemed a mistake in judgment. However, Taylor indicated that he would convene a meeting with the Australian athletes to deliberate on whether the coach should remain with the team in Paris.
“My main priority is the team’s performance and the athletes’ results,” Taylor stated. “I must evaluate the team’s performance and make an informed decision on that.”
Kim Woo-min of Team Republic of Korea celebrates after winning gold in the Men’s 400m Freestyle Final on day ten of the Doha 2024 World Aquatics Championships at Aspire Dome on February 11, 2024, in Doha, Qatar. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Australia features two top contenders for gold in the 400 freestyle: Sam Short, the 2023 world champion, and Elijah Winnington, the 2022 world champion.
It’s common for coaches to work with athletes from other nations. Notable American coach Bob Bowman oversees training for French talent Léon Marchand.
Australian swimmers and coaches assess the pool at La Defense Arena before the 2024 Summer Olympics, July 24, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Nonetheless, with the Olympics approaching, Taylor deemed it completely inappropriate for an Australian coach to endorse a swimmer from another country.
“We raised this issue with him,” Taylor remarked. “He accepts responsibility and has been reprimanded for it. He is very regretful, and we are addressing the situation.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Despite the controversy, Australian swimmer Bronte Campbell, who is competing in her fourth Olympics, stated that it has had minimal impact on the strong team dynamic.
“Entering the Olympic Games, it’s crucial to conserve your energy. It’s a long and emotionally draining competition,” she noted. “Everyone understands their roles. We always emphasize focusing on performance first. This is achieved by concentrating on controllable elements right in front of you.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Stay updated with Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle
