- Swimming tests will be held in June for the Olympic Games in Paris
- Simpson is far behind his rivals and needs to improve
- Will not be involved in pension discussions until the decision is official
Cody Simpson has given a bizarre explanation as to why he cannot fail in his quest to reach the Paris Olympics and fulfill a lifelong sporting dream.
An intense three-month training block comes down to the Olympic trials in June – and Simpson is a whole second behind his competition.
That was the benchmark delivered last weekend at the Australian Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast, where Simpson finished fourth in his favorite event, the 100m butterfly.
The 24-year-old partner of Australian superfish Emma McKeon has sacrificed a successful music career to pursue his Olympic dream and has just over a month to find the crucial winnings needed to get on a plane to Paris.
If he fails to complete the 100m butterfly, he can still qualify for the Australian relay team.
Simpson finished fourth at the recent Australian Swimming Championships and will need to find an additional second to qualify before the Olympic Trials in June
Simpson and his partner Emma McKeon are the hottest names in Australian swimming
But whatever happens, Simpson remains zen about his chances and insists he will go home happy even if he fails to make it to the Paris Olympics.
“In a sense, I really can’t fail, because I either succeed or fail to make the Olympic team this year,” Simpson said in a puzzling statement.
‘A fairytale ending would be nice, but it will happen or it won’t happen and that is the reality.
“There’s not much I can control other than giving it my all. So if that’s not enough in the day, that’s not enough in the day.
“But regardless, I really gave it everything I could to see what I can do in this sport and I’ve had a lot of success along the way.”
Before pausing his music career, Simpson had recorded four albums and played the lead role of Dmitry in the Broadway musical Anastasia.
Even if Simpson doesn’t qualify for the 100m butterfly, there may still be a place for him on the Australian relay team
McKeon will retire from swimming after the Paris Olympics and Simpson may join her if he cannot qualify
Returning to the music industry would be a logical step for the Gold Coast product, but that won’t be on his mind until the curtain officially falls on his swimming career.
“I purposely put a brick wall on either side of it so that when the time comes I will do something about it,” he said. “But never in my life have I not known what’s next.”
A factor in his decision may be the impending retirement of his partner McKeon, 29, an 11-time Olympic medalist and most decorated Australian Olympian in history.
She will end her swimming career after the Paris Olympics, which could lead to Simpson following the same path.
‘Emma never had a life without swimming. I know what it’s like, but she’s never had it, so I’m glad she’s exploring her other interests and having the time to do that, because she never had it as a child.
“I’m fortunate to be someone who has a lot of things to look forward to, and another passion and career that I can pursue again depending on what I decide from the pool.
“I don’t know yet what I’m going to do, but I’ll make that decision later this year.”