Speedo Sunday

Park Tae-hwan

Park Tae-hwan, an up-and-coming South Korean swimmer, signed a two-year sponsorship contract with British swimwear maker Speedo in a ceremony on Tuesday.

The British company will provide the young star with an exclusive managing team, including a physical trainer, cook and translator, Speedo officials said at the ceremony.

TAE not happy

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