It is wrong that swim coach Michael Palfrey was thrown under a bus for reflecting the international ideals of the Olympic movement (“‘Traitor’ coach to stay on”, DT, 26/7). Excellence, respect and friendship ensure a global focus on promoting sport, culture and education in the construction of a better world. When Palfrey complimented Korean swimmer Kim Woo-min as a potential medal winner, surely that left a feeling of warmth and respect in the South Korean TV audience for the goodness and fairness of our Australian people and culture. Every TV commentator in the world would seem very dull if they only expected their nationals to be successful. To label Palfrey a traitor shows an overly defensive and mean-spirited view that only Australians are allowed to win. The value of a coach is objectivity and honesty, not one-eyed jingoism. Thank you Michael for your practical expression of the Olympic virtues, while others proffer only lip service. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 30July2024