Pop sensation turned professional swimmer Cody Simpson has unfortunately missed out on the opportunity to compete in the world championships in Japan next month. Despite his best efforts at the Australian trials in Melbourne, the 26-year-old failed to qualify among the talented 38 athletes representing the Dolphins in Fukuoka from July 23.
In a last-ditch attempt, Simpson competed in the 100m butterfly on Sunday, but finished fifth behind Matthew Temple, Kyle Chalmers, Shaun Champion, and Jesse Coleman. Disappointingly, he also failed to qualify in the freestyle event.
Interestingly, observers at the event noted an uncomfortable encounter between Simpson and his neighboring competitor, Chalmers, after the race. This adds to the ongoing attention surrounding their relationship, particularly since Simpson went public with his romance with teammate Emma McKeon, who had previously dated Chalmers. Chalmers, however, brushed off any rumors of tension within the team but did not exchange any words with his devastated colleague after beating him in the butterfly event.
Despite his setback, Chalmers will be among the experienced members of the team heading to Japan, which also includes three rookies making their international debut. Kai Taylor, Bianca Crisp, and Jack Wilson will all be part of the Australian contingent for the first time.
In other notable performances at the trials, teenage sensation Mollie O’Callaghan astonished the crowd by winning both the 100m and 200m freestyle events, surpassing reigning Olympic champion McKeon. O’Callaghan also secured second place in the 100m backstroke. Additionally, Kaylee McKeown impressed by qualifying for her favored event, the 200m backstroke, with a remarkable swim that was only 0.56 seconds shy of her own world record. She will additionally compete in the 100m backstroke and 200m individual medley.
Ariarne Titmus, another standout performer, qualified for three events, clinching victory in the 400m and 800m freestyle finals while finishing second in the 200m freestyle behind O’Callaghan. Titmus expressed her excitement to lead the team, which consists of several promising young talents.
The Dolphins’ world championship team for Japan is as follows:
Men: Jack Cartwright, Kyle Chalmers, Shaun Champion, Isaac Cooper, Alex Graham, Cam McEvoy, Tommy Neill, Sam Short, Brendon Smith, Flynn Southam, Zac Stubblety-Cook, Kai Taylor, Matt Temple, Sam Williamson, Elijah Winnington, Brad Woodward; (open water) Kyle Lee, Nick Sloman, Jack Wilson.
Women: Abbey Connor, Lizzie Dekkers, Jenna Forrester, Abbey Harkin, Meg Harris, Shayna Jack, Moesha Johnson, Emma McKeon, Kaylee McKeown, Kiah Melverton, Mollie O’Callaghan, Lani Pallister, Brianna Throssell, Ariarne Titmus, Madi Wilson; (open water) Bailey Armstrong, Bianca Crisp, Maddy Gough, Chelsea Gubecka, Moesha Johnson.
For the latest news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter! Get your daily dose of the best in breaking sports news by clicking here. Tokyo Olympics 2021: Australia’s Swimming Champions of the Century
Denial of responsibility! SamacharCentrl is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
