Cody Simpson stuns at the National Swimming titles as he edges closer to spot in Commonwealth Games

Singer Cody Simpson is on the verge of earning a shock place at the Commonwealth Games team after a stunning performance at the Australian Swimming Championships.

The 25-year-old took nearly a second off his personal best, qualifying second fastest for the 100metre butterfly final in Adelaide on Wednesday night.

Simpson registered an incredible time of 51.79 seconds in his heat on Wednesday morning, behind only Olympic bronze medallist Matthew Temple.

A top three finish in the final would see Simpson sensationally qualify for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in July. 

Simpson registered an incredible time of 51.79 seconds in his semi-final, behind only Olympic bronze medallist Matthew Temple

Aussie legend Grant Hackett said before the trials he believed it was ‘unrealistic’ Simpson could make the team, but highlighted his incredible progress over the past year.

‘Look, that is still going to be a stretch, but in saying that, it’s not unrealistic, given the times he’s producing,’ Hackett said.

‘I always thought the Olympics team last year was unrealistic, people got carried away with the hype, but I said at the time if he made the final that would be mind-blowing, and he did.

‘This year, getting a medal is something that’s a much higher probability than it was 12 months ago.’

The 25-year-old took nearly a second off his personal best, qualifying second fastest for the 100metre butterfly final on Wednesday night 

Simpson, who was a national level swimmer as a child before he followed a career in music, has been training alongside Olympic heroes including Emma McKeon at a high performance centre in Queensland.

Hackett noted the commitment the singer has shown to the support and said he’s a real contender for a place in Birmingham.  

‘Cody is 100 per cent committed to the sport and the preparation it takes to get onto one of these national teams and represent Australia,’ he said.

‘We’re going to see a Cody Simpson that is faster and more serious than last year, and more of a contender.

‘It’s now starting to get real for his competitors, that Cody is looking for medals this time around, not just finals.’