SEOUL, South Korea, January 20. TAE Hwan Park, the South Korean who has vaulted to elite status in the middle and long-distance freestyle events, has voiced his displeasure over the Korean Swimming Federation's dropping of Yong Hwan Kang from the National Team roster. Kang is Park's training partner. According to a report from the Korean Times, Kang filed an application with the KSF one day after its due date, which led to his dropping.
Park, the Asian-record holder in the 200, 400 and 1,500 freestyles and the winner of each of those events at the recent Asian Games, figures to be a medal contender at the World Championships in March. He has signed a $3.2 million endorsement deal with Speedo. Park had a major breakthrough last summer at the Pan Pacific Championships.
"I am really upset by the swimming officials. Who is satisfied with this decision?" Park said.