Cody Simpson’s Commonwealth Games campaign has taken a dramatic turn with revelations the pop star could be a major player in the Birmingham pool.
The 25-year-old’s journey from music artist to swimming star has captivated Australia this year since qualifying for the Commonwealth Games at the Australian Swimming Championships in May.
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After sneaking onto the Dolphins’ team as the third-fastest swimmer in the 100m butterfly, their pet event, Simpson was expected to be a minor blip in the gold rush that s ‘I expected the Australian team to deliver at the Commonwealth Games.
But now he faces the prospect of competing in four events and chasing four medals in the pool at Sandwell Aquatic Centre.
Starting on Friday night (AEST) in the men’s 50m butterfly heats, Simpson’s program has exploded.
Simpson was promoted to a place in the 50m butterfly after teenage sensation Isaac Cooper was ruled out for the Commonwealth Games as a result of wellness challenges, “including the use of medication”. Simpson was the fourth fastest swimmer at the national championships behind Kyle Chalmers, William Yang and Cooper.
It is in the relays where Simpson has his best chance of winning a medal.
The Daily Telegraph reports that there have been a number of late entries in the men’s and mixed team relays, forcing the Commonwealth Games to expand the relay program to include heats that will allow more nations to compete.
Australian swimmers Emma McKeon and Cody Simpson in Birmingham. Image: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia
It means Simpson is suddenly a very real option to swim the butterfly leg in the men’s 4x100m medley relay heats. He was third-fastest in the event at the national championships, but national champion Matt Temple and Chalmers are expected to rest from heats before swimming in the final.
Simpson is also being considered for a spot in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay as a heat swimmer. He was the eighth fastest swimmer in the event at the national championships.
Simpson would receive any medals won by the Australian relay teams in Birmingham, even if he is dropped for the final.
Australian head coach Rohan Taylor has indicated that he wants to pick separate line-ups for the heats and relay finals in order to keep his athletes fresh.
His comments will be sweet music to Simpson’s ears.
“The medley relays will be picked on form so it goes down to where it ends up. We’ll have a heats team and a finals team, so there’s a chance for sure,” Taylor was quoted as saying. The Daily Telegraph.
“Cody has a truly generous and humble personality, always smiling, always encouraging and supportive.
“It has been fantastic, it has fit in without any problem. It’s been really nice to have him.”
Simpson has already been making headlines this week since opening up about his relationship with Aussie superstar Emma McKeon.
All eyes will be on Simpson in Birmingham. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
McKeon was the star of the Australian Olympic team in Tokyo, with seven medals, including four gold. Adding to her four Rio medals, McKeon became the most decorated Olympic athlete in Australia’s history with a total of five golds, two silvers and four bronzes.
The happy couple were profiled on Channel 7 Protagonism on Sunday night, where they were happy to talk about their love lives. Simpson, who said he “wooed” McKeon with his singing, admitted he was in love with the 28-year-old for a while before acting on his feelings.
“You know, when you meet someone, you just recognize that there’s something there. I always saw her as this special person to me. As a human in general, quite inspiring,” Simpson told Seven’s Denham Hitchcock.
“There’s something there that we obviously didn’t explore back then.
“I always recognized there was a connection we had. But we didn’t act on it until what ended up being a year later.
“We talk every day about how happy we are and how lucky we are. I think we definitely appreciate it.
“Whenever I’m playing (music), he’ll drop whatever he’s doing and look and listen. She doesn’t have to do this, but I like that. Always pay attention. It is beautiful.”