Cody Simpson reveals the ’emotional baggage’ he shares with swimming superstar girlfriend Emma McKeon as he opens up about their romance

Pop sensation turned Olympic swimming hopeful Cody Simpson has revealed the ’emotional baggage’ he shares with girlfriend Emma McKeon with the Paris Games looming large.

Simpson, 27, stunned the music scene when he returned to the pool in 2019, having shown promise at national level as a youngster before pursuing a music career in the US.

While he missed selection for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, he made the cut for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The sprinter snared gold as part of the 4 x 100 metre freestyle relay team and silver in the 4 x 100 metre medley relay – but competing in the Olympics is the ultimate sporting accomplishment in Simpson’s eyes.

With the Australian Swimming Trials starting on June 10 at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, potential destiny awaits.

The couple have been together since 2022 and would both love to compete at the Paris Games – but first, Simpson has to win through at the Olympic trials

McKeon collected an incredible 11 medals across two Olympic Games – 2016 in Brazil and 2021 in Japan – to be Australia’s most decorated swimmer

Simpson snared gold as part of the 4×100 metre freestyle relay team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games – but competing in the Olympics is his ultimate goal 

Cody Simpson achieved pop stardom globally – before returning to the pool in 2019 (pictured, with model Gigi Hadid)

Simpson also doesn’t have to look far for inspiration – his girlfriend’s 11-medal haul across the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and 2020 Tokyo Games makes McKeon the most decorated Australian swimmer in Olympic history.

‘I certainly have learnt a lot from how she handles ups and downs and successes and failures,’ he told GQ.

‘We both obviously have a lot of emotional baggage around each of our performances and careers….we try not to put those on each other whilst also still being able to be that supportive figure. 

‘There is not a lot of talk of swimming at home.’

While McKeon, 30, is a near certainty to be in the Dolphins team in what will be her final Olympics, Simpson will have his work cut out to be part of the 38-strong squad, with the likes of Kyle Chalmers happy to spoil his dreams.

Away from the pool, McKeon has provided Simpson with life balance – and he is forever grateful.

Speaking recently on the Apple and Tree podcast with his sister Alli, Simpson gushed over his partner.

‘She’s one of the greatest,’ he said. ‘To be able to have that mutual understanding [about the discipline required to be an elite swimmer] is special.

‘To [also] have that kind of connection… it is nice to be able to do it together.’