Aussie pop star turned swimming sensation Cody Simpson has shared heartwarming footage of the moment he found out he would represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games.
Simpson successfully qualified for the Commonwealth Games, finishing third in the 100-metre butterfly finals at the Australian Swimming Championships.
The Aussie only returned to the pool 18 months ago following a 10-years hiatus, making for a meteoric rise to represent his country in Birmingham later this year.
He shared a video of the emotional moment he found out, sitting alongside Olympic champion and girlfriend Emma McKeon.
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Simpson can be seen tearing up as he embraces McKeon when he reads the brilliant news off his phone.
He captioned the post: “When you get the text that you’ve made your first Australian team. Last night I was selected to represent Australia at my first Commonwealth Games.
“I was holding my breath all week after the 100m fly final and this is the moment I found out.
“If you’d have told me 2 years ago when I had started training in a backyard pool during lockdown that I’d be here today, I don’t know if I’d have believed you.”
Simpson finished behind Matthew Temple who clinched first with a time of 51.50 seconds, while fellow Olympian Kyle Chalmers clocked a time of 51.67 seconds meaning he came in second place.
The former singer had originally qualified for the World Championships after Kyle Chalmers had pulled out from the competition, however, the swimmer reconsidered his decision to skip the event.
Simpson spoke to Amazon Prime Video on Sunday about his delight in representing Australia.
He said: “I’m through the roof, to be honest. I was holding my breath all day, all week. It’s such a relief to finally have that confirmation and to be going.
“When I got the text I was sitting there in my seat and I just sunk down and started hugging everyone I saw.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet, to be honest. It may not feel real until I’m on the blocks in England. I’m lost for words.
“I’ve already made so many amazing new friends and I’m excited for the new experiences to come. Hopefully, this is the first of a few.”
Swimming Australia congratulated the 25-year-old, commenting on his Instagram post: “Huge congrats Cody! So glad to have you on the team.”
A talented swimmer growing up, Simpson soon found himself in the international spotlight when his musical talents propelled him into superstardom.
He has since switched his focus from the recording studio to the pool in pursuit of a spot on the Australian swimming team.
Jayden Collins