Swimming Australia has sacked coach Michael Palfrey over comments he made at the Paris Olympics.
Palfrey said on Korean television that he hoped South Korea's Kim Woo-min would win the men's 400m freestyle event ahead of Australia's swimmers.
"I really hope he can win," he said. "Go Korea."
The event also featured Australian duo Sam Short and Elijah Winnington.
Germany's Lukas Martens went on to win the gold medal while Winnington claimed silver and Kim won bronze.
"Swimming Australia has terminated Michael Palfrey's employment due to a breach of his employment agreement," the statement read.
"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."
The statement added Palfrey's employment would be ended effective immediately and the search for a new swimming coach had already started. It also confirmed Palfrey would retain his accreditation as a coach.
Swimming Australia said it would not be making any further comments.
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