Meet Cody Simpson, Paris Olympics hopeful – and pop star: Kylie Jenner’s Australian ex paused his swimming career for music, but Michael Phelps and Ian Thorpe inspired him to get back in the pool

May 16 , 2024

Cody Simpson poses in a white singlet in March. Photo: @codysimpson/Instagram

Simpson, 27, shot to fame as a heartthrob pop star who’s dated the likes of Gigi Hadid and Miley Cyrus, and worked with Justin Bieber and Flo Rida, but he’d always hoped to swim competitively for his country

The son of two swimmers, Simpson paused his music career in 2019 to get back in the pool – he’s also currently dating an Olympic gold medallist and fellow swimmer, Emma McKeon

In 2019, Australian former pop star Cody Simpson discreetly made the decision to return to his first love – swimming. Encouraged by swimming legends like Michael Phelps and Ian Thorpe, Simpson resumed his athletic career after watching the 2019 world swimming championships and questioning why he wasn’t competing.

In less than six months, he was back in shape and had qualified for the Australian Olympic trials in the 100-metre butterfly, marking an amazing comeback a decade after leaving competitive swimming, according to The New York Times.

In the early 2010s, Simpson’s music career skyrocketed with the support of his online fan base. He told CNN about the “opportunities I couldn’t turn down”, which prompted a move to the US with his family. He released four studio albums, toured globally and collaborated with stars like Justin Bieber and Flo Rida.

Cody Simpson poses by a pool in March. Photo: @codysimpson/Instagram

His high-profile relationships with celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Kylie Jenner and Gigi Hadid also made headlines. Beyond music, Simpson showcased his talents on Broadway and TV shows like Dancing with the Stars and The Masked Singer Australia.

Inspired by his parents, both successful Australian competitive swimmers as well, per The Guardian, Simpson had always dreamed of swimming for his country. And, despite the successful entertainment career that “happened” to him, Simpson’s connection to swimming never truly waned. Now 27, Cody is vying to represent his country at the Paris Olympics in July and to fulfil his long-held dream of athletic success.

Here’s everything you need to know about Cody Simpson.

How did Cody Simpson get back into swimming in 2019?

Cody Simpson reflects on his achievements at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in this August 2022 post. Photo: @codysimpson/Instagram

In 2019, Simpson joined the University of Southern California’s Trojan Swim Elite team, revitalising his early talent for the sport. His dedication paid off in 2022 when he qualified for the Commonwealth Games by making the Australian Swim Team at the national trials, reports J-14.