Cody Simpson’s emotional statement as he farewells swimming after missing out on Olympic dream

Cody Simpson has farewelled swimming after all following the end of his Olympic ambitions.

The popstar returned to the pool four years ago in the hope of fulfilling his childhood dreams, firstly to represent Australia then to make it to Paris 2024.

He entered last week’s national trials on the edge of qualifying and so it proved that he fell just short in 100m freestyle and his favoured 100m butterfly.

Simpson has long teased the possibility of continuing to swim while also returning to music but he quickly confirmed his time was up, expanding on the decision with an emotional post.

“All you can do is everything you can to take what you’ve been given as far as you can take it,” the 27-year-old wrote.

“You owe yourself the honour of cultivating your talents with as much fervour and intensity as you can. The privilege of becoming what you’re capable of becoming.

“I left nothing to the unknown these past four years and I can now rest knowing I put my pedal to the floor every day and covered every other little detail to take this as far it could go and it sure went a hell of a ways.”

Simpson, who won a Commonwealth Games gold medal for swimming in a relay heat, described his Olympics near-miss as “bittersweet” but felt satisfied after following in his parents’ footsteps to represent Australia.

His mum Angie represented Australia at the 1987 Pan Pacific Games, while dad Brad did so at the 1994 Commonwealth Games.

“I made sure I was a gangster in my training, meticulous in my preparation and fearless in my competing every step of the way,” Simpson wrote.

“I’m grateful for a huge run in the short amount of time I have been a professional athlete and I wouldn’t trade a moment.

“I promise I will never stop trying to do special things with my life. Shoot for the moon.. land among the stars.

“My shot has landed me in a constellation of stars otherwise known as that elusive club, the Australian Swim Team, forever. Thank you swimming.”

The post was accompanied by a photo of his Australian team pin and his number 838, with greats and now former teammates rallying around him.

“Once an Australian Dolphin, always an Australian Dolphin. Congratulations mate, incredible effort,” Cate Campbell said.

Steph Rice said: “What an incredible journey!! It took such courage and relentless commitment to go after a big dream that one in a million make ... you’ve done it before and there’s no doubt in my mind you will do it again. Here’s to your next exciting adventure.”

Giaan Rooney wrote: “Your commitment to the dream was awe inspiring, thank you for taking us all along on the journey.”

Jenna Strauch said: “Left no stone unturned — stand proud.”

Simpson’s move comes with his long-term partner and Australian swimming legend Emma McKeon gearing up for her final Olympic campaign with Paris 2024.

McKeon, who turned 30 last month, has not indicated whether she will leave the pool for good or continue to swim towards the 2025 world championships and other events.

She wants to expand on her work with UNICEF while she credited Simpson for helping settle her life outside swimming.

“The things that make me really happy are my relationship and my family,” McKeon said.

“Swimming is not forever, so you have to be happy outside of that. And I am now.”

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