Pop star turned swimmer Cody Simpson has turned his dream of becoming a professional athlete into a reality after clinching a spot on the Australian team for this year’s world championships and Commonwealth Games.
The 25-year-old Gold Coaster finished third in the 100m butterfly event at the Australian Swimming Championships in Adelaide on Wednesday night.
It was Simpson’s first podium finish at a national titles, a mighty feat after only recently returning to the sport following a 10-year hiatus to concentrate on his singing career.
He swam a time of 51.96, which was just behind the personal best time he notched up in the heats earlier in the morning.
South Australian Matt Temple stormed home to win the race in 51.50, while Olympic champion Kyle Chalmers came in second with a time of 51.67.
Simpson, who recently made headlines over his former relationship with Miley Cyrus, could not wipe the smile off his face.
“That’s a dream come true,” Simpson said after the race.
“I had a great swim this morning, so much progress from last year. I’ve just been busting my arse all year so it’s amazing to see results like this pay off. I was hoping to go a little quicker tonight but to scrape under is a real dream.
“I had no idea it was going to happen this meet so I’m through the roof.
“I only started training a little under two years after 10-11 years out of the water. I didn’t think I’d be remotely competitive, racing this year at the earliest. To potentially make a team already is just a bonus on the way to Paris.”
Shayna Jack also made a remarkable return to the sport, earning herself a spot on the Australian squad with a second-place finish in the 100m freestyle.
