Aussie swimming coach is in trouble for an INCREDIBLY un-Australian act at the Paris Olympics

An Australian Olympic swimming coach got himself into hot water in Paris after telling Korean media that he hoped champion Kim Woo-min would beat Aussie duo Sam Short and Elijah Winnington.

Coach Michael Palfrey has been asked to explain himself by the Australian Olympic Committee after dropping the bombshell comment in a poolside interview he did with South Korean TV reporters on the eve of the Paris Games.

Palfrey, who is a coach for the Dolphins and also works with Korean champion Kim Woo-min, said he wanted the rising talent to win gold in the men's 400m freestyle on Saturday - a race that will feature Aussies Sam Short and Elijah Winnington.

'I really hope he (Woo-min) can win, but ultimately I really hope he swims well,' Palfrey said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Asked how he thought the race would go, Palfrey said: 'I really think that last 100 to 200 metres is going to be a bit of a dogfight. It's going to rough. The boys are going to be there.

'There will be three or four of them in the race that think they can win it. I think it's going to come down to that last 100 metres. 

'We need Woo-min to lift, that's what I'll be saying to him. He's got to race tough.'

The coach reportedly ended the interview by saying, 'go Korea', while wearing his Australian team shirt. 

SMH reports that Swimming Australia has since found out about the comments and head coach Rohan Taylor has spoken to Palfrey about the matter.

The Australian Olympic Committee has also been made aware of the comments.

A directive was reportedly handed down to Australian swimming coaches  earlier in the year to cut ties with non-Australian swimmers before the Games. 

'It's been a very collaborative approach from the coaches in Korea and myself in Australia,' Palfrey reportedly said.

'I'm very good friends with the Australian coaches and swimmers but I have really enjoyed coaching Kim as well.'