Cody Simpson reveals the ’emotional baggage’ he shares with swimming superstar girlfriend Emma McKeon as he opens up about their romance

Pop sensation turned Olympic swimming hopeful Cody Simpson has revealed the “emotional baggage” he shares with girlfriend Emma McKeon as the Paris Games approach.

Simpson, 27, stunned the music scene when he returned to the pool in 2019 after showing promise at national level as a youngster before pursuing a music career in the US.

Although he missed out on selection for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, he made the selection for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The sprinter took gold in the 4 x 100-meter freestyle relay team and silver in the 4 x 100-meter medley relay – but in Simpson’s eyes, participating in the Olympic Games is the ultimate sporting achievement.

With the Australian Swimming Trials starting at the Brisbane Aquatic Center on June 10, a potential fate awaits.

The couple have been together since 2022 and would both like to compete in the Paris Games, but first Simpson must win the Olympic trials.

McKeon collected an impressive eleven medals at two Olympic Games – 2016 in Brazil and 2021 in Japan – becoming Australia’s most decorated swimmer

Simpson took gold as part of the 4x100m freestyle relay team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games – but competing in the Olympics is his ultimate goal

Cody Simpson rose to global pop stardom before returning to the pool in 2019 (pictured, with model Gigi Hadid)

Simpson doesn’t have to look far for inspiration either: the eleven medals his girlfriend won at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and 2020 Tokyo Games make McKeon the most decorated Australian swimmer in Olympic history.

“I definitely learned a lot from the way she deals with ups and downs, successes and failures,” he said GQ.

“We both obviously have a lot of emotional baggage around each of our performances and careers… we try not to impose it on each other, while still being that supportive figure.

‘We don’t talk about swimming much at home.’

While it is almost certain that McKeon, 30, will be part of the Dolphins team in what will be her final Olympics, Simpson will have his work cut out for him to be part of the 38-man squad that includes Kyle Chalmers likes to spoil his team. to dream.

Away from the pool, McKeon has given Simpson a life balance – and he is eternally grateful.

I recently spoke at the Apple and Tree podcast with his sister Alli, Simpson gushed about his partner.

“She’s one of the greatest,” he said. ‘To be able to have that mutual understanding [about the discipline required to be an elite swimmer] is special.

‘Nasty [also] I have such a connection… it’s nice to be able to do it together.’