At the end of one of the most contentious weeks in Australian swimming, national team selectors voted Cody Simpson into his inaugural national team.
And the pop star-turned-swimming-sensation has shared the moment he learned he would be heading to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this winter.
In a candid video posted to Instagram, Miley Cyrus’ ex-boyfriend clapped his hand over his mouth in shock as he read the text telling him he’d made the elite squad before he leaned back into the arms of his girlfriend Emma McKeon.
Shake: At the end of one of the most contentious weeks in Australian swimming, national team selectors voted Cody Simpson (pictured with Emma McKeon) to his first-ever national team
The proud Australian swimming sport golden girl hugged the 25-year-old in a sweet moment for the couple.
Cody captioned the post: “When you get the text you made your first Australian team.”
“Last night I was chosen to represent Australia at my first Commonwealth Games,” continued the On My Mind singer.
The moment: In a candid video posted to Instagram, Miley Cyrus’ ex-boyfriend clapped his hand over his mouth in shock as he read the text telling him he’d made the elite team, before leaning back into his friend Emma’s arms
Huge news: Cody captioned the post: “When you get the text you made your first Australian team.”
Cody added, “I’ve been holding my breath all week after the 100m fly final and that’s the moment I found out.”
“If you had told me two years ago, when I started working out in a backyard pool during lockdown, that I would be here today, I don’t know if I would have believed you.”
The pair were later photographed en route to Adelaide Airport after the end of the national swimming championships.
Loved up: The proud golden girl of Australian swimming hugged the 25-year-old in a sweet moment for the couple
Heading East: Later the pair were photographed heading to Adelaide Airport after the end of the national swimming championships
Plain Plain: The lovebirds were dressed casually for their flight back to the Gold Coast
The lovebirds were dressed casually for their flight back to the Gold Coast.
Emma dressed her figure in black leggings while Cody wore pants and a white t-shirt.
Both shielded their eyes for the outing behind dark sunglasses.
Traveling with the newlyweds was Cody’s mother, Angie.
Legs for days: Emma dressed her figure in black leggings, while Cody wore pants and a white t-shirt
The future is so bright: Both shielded their eyes behind dark shades for the outing
Close: Simpson will compete in the butterfly competitions at the upcoming Commonwealth Games but missed out on a spot for the World Championship
Simpson will compete in the butterfly competitions at the upcoming Commonwealth Games but has missed out on a place at the World Championship.
The Queenslander appeared to have secured a place at the World 100m Butterfly Championships after finishing third behind Kyle Chalmers and winner Matt Temple at the national swimming championships in Adelaide.
Australia can only field two representatives and Simpson was expected to make it because Chalmers would be out due to his busy schedule and need to sustain his body after sustaining serious injuries and undergoing surgery.
Superstar: McKeon is a four-time world record holder, one current and three past, in the 4x100m freestyle relay
Disappointed: The Queenslander appeared to have secured a spot at the World 100m butterfly championships after finishing third at the event, but that dream was soon dashed
However, Chalmers later changed his mind and insisted he would compete in the 100m butterfly at the World Championships in Budapest next month.
Chalmers was shocked to be absent from Sunday’s ceremony that announced the Australian swimming team, citing the need to take a break from the spotlight for mental health reasons.
“The last few days have been difficult for Kyle both mentally and emotionally,” said a spokesman for Swimming Australia.
Rivalry: Simpsons rival Kyle Chalmers then changed his mind about joining the team, knocking Cody off his seat
Companion: Cody’s mother, Angie, was traveling with the newlywed couple
“He believes it is in the best interest of his mental health to stay with his family in Port Lincoln for the next few days. Swimming Australia fully supports his decision.
Chalmers and Simpson have dominated the headlines since the former backtracked on his decision to skip the 100m butterfly at the World Championships, ending the latter’s hopes of competing at the event.
The move immediately sparked speculation that Chalmers might be motivated by the fact that Simpson is dating his ex, swimming sensation McKeon.
Scandal: Chalmers and Simpson have dominated the headlines since the former backtracked on his decision to skip the 100m butterfly at the World Championships