Pop star turned swimmer Cody Simpson makes a candid admission as his Olympic destiny goes on the line

• e-mail

Cody Simpson has dropped his latest album just days ahead of his Olympic qualification trials as the pop star turned swimmer opens up on the biggest week of his life. 

The 27-year-old is set to compete at the Australian swimming trials this week, hoping to secure a spot on the Australian team for the Olympics.

 In 2019, he stunned the music scene by announcing his return to competitive swimming.

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

There, he won gold as part of the 4 x 100 metre freestyle relay team and silver in the 4x100 metre medley relay. However, the Olympics remain his ultimate goal.

To achieve this dream, Simpson must reach a final and secure a top finish in his three events. 

It all goes on the line for Cody Simpson this week at the national trials for the Olympic Games

Simpson put his music career on  hold in a bit to realise his Olympic dream with the national swimming squad

Simpson has high-powered support from his partner Emma McKeon ahead of the Paris games

In a heartfelt post on social media, he reflected on his journey back to the pool. 

'As I approach the Australian Olympic Trials this week I find myself reflecting on what a cracking last four years I've had pursuing my dreams and desires in this sport,' Simpson wrote on Instagram.

'Seems like yesterday it was 2020, getting back in the water raw and wildly unfit having not swum or competed since I was a little boy. 

'To look back on how this whole thing has progressed is beyond me. I've given everything I have morning and night in training to see what I can get out of myself; burnt every boat I could burn in the pursuit.'

'The physical and mental expansion that swimming has now brought me is huge. Along with all the dreams achieved in swimming for Australia. 

'I've laid it all out there in these final six months and I'm very, very excited to race this week and just see what I can do.'

'Thanks to all who have supported me on my ride. I do all of this for the 12-year-old kid in me. He'd be so stoked to know everything that's happened. Guess he does 'cause he's me! See you on the other side!'

The pop star turned swimmer will need to break his personal best times to achieve his Olympic dream

Simpson has issued a raw and emotional post to his supporters on social media platform Instagram ahead of the trials 

If Simpson fails to make the Australian squad this week, his swimming career is likely over

Simpson will compete in the 50m and 100m freestyle, and 100m butterfly. His results at the Australian Open championships in April ranked him fourth fastest in the butterfly and ninth fastest in the freestyle. 

Competing in the 100m butterfly, Simpson came fourth in a time of 52.32 seconds.

It is expected that Simpson will need to swim at least 0.5 seconds quicker than his current personal best to challenge for second position alongside Shaun Champion, Ben Armbruster, and Aussie champ Kyle Chalmers. 

National champion Matt Temple is expected to win the event.

For the 100m freestyle, Simpson must finish in the top six to be selected as a heat swimmer in the team relays. 

Again, he needs to improve on his personal best to sneak into the top six. 

Simpson's campaign will begin with the 50m freestyle on Wednesday, followed by the 100m freestyle on Thursday, and the 100m butterfly on Saturday.