Kyle Chalmers slams speculation about a pool love triangle with Cody Simpson and Emma McKeown

Kyle Chalmers has lashed out at speculation a swimming love triangle is behind him going back on his decision to sit out the 100m butterfly at the upcoming world championships in a move that has almost certainly ruined Cody Simpson’s dream of competing at the event.

Simpson appeared to have booked himself a spot at the worlds when he finished third in the event at the national swimming championships on Wednesday night, behind Chalmers and winner Matt Temple.

Australia can only field two representatives and Simpson was expected to make it because Chalmers would drop out due to his busy schedule and need to preserve his body after picking up serious injuries.

However, on Thursday night the freestyle gold medalist backflipped and said he is keen to swim the 100m butterfly, leaving Simpson out in the cold.

The move led to speculation he could have been motivated by the fact Simpson is now ‘completely smitten’ with his current girlfriend and Chalmers’ ex, swimming sensation Emma McKeon.

His ex Emma McKeon is reportedly ‘completely smitten’ with new boyfriend Cody Simpson (pictured together)

On Friday morning Chalmers reacted angrily when that was put to him.

‘It’s hugely pathetic,’ he said. ‘It’s the biggest joke I’ve ever heard, to be honest with you,’ he told 2DAY FM. 

‘I think for me, I started out a butterflyer, I’ve wanted to be a butterflyer my whole career. My body just hasn’t allowed me to do so, so for me just being able to swim butterfly is so special.’

‘Unfortunately, yeah, I’m the one who has to stand up and apologise and be made out to be the villain when all I’ve done is given everything to my sport and my country.’

In September last year it was reported that Chalmers was going out with Aussie pool queen Emma McKeon, who won seven medals at the Tokyo Games.

Simpson looked set to represent Australia in the 100m butterfly at the world championships until Chalmers changed his mind on Thursday and decided to compete in the event  

The talented musician and McKeon are believed to have moved in together recently – but Chalmers has angrily denied their romance had any bearing on his backflip

But last Saturday the Daily Telegraph reported McKeon and Simpson are now an item, are ‘completely smitten’ and ‘moved in together in recent weeks’.

The pair are believed to travel to training together each morning and were spotted out having breakfast two weeks ago.

Chalmers has had surgery on both shoulders with the most recent operation taking place last December.

It was thought he was skipping the 100m butterfly to make sure he didn’t overtax himself, but he changed his mind on Thursday night.

‘Eight weeks ago I wasn’t swimming at all, didn’t know if I’d be swimming at all this year,’ he said. ‘It would’ve been disrespectful to say I was going to swim at the world championships.’

Asked if he thought of the ramifications for Simpson when he changed his mind, he gave a flat ‘no’ and added, ‘For me, swimming is a cutthroat sport.’