I’m a former pop star who dated Miley Cyrus – now I’ve made a new career in sport and am even on track for the Olympics
CODY SIMPSON'S Olympic dream is alive after qualifying for the Australian swimming trials ahead of the Paris 2024 Games.
The singer-turned-swimmer is known for his successful music career and famous relationships with longtime friend Miley Cyrus, model Gigi Hadid and Kylie Jenner.
The star first came to public attention in 2009 after uploading some videos to YouTube of him performing various tracks including I'm Yours by Jason Mraz and Cry Me A River by Justin Timberlake.
This led to him being discovered by Shawn Campbell, who helped him launch his career and encouraged him to move to to pursue his musical dreams.
Cody released his first EP 4 U in December 2010 and has since made five more albums including Paradise and Surfers Paradise, the latter reaching No. 30 on the UK album charts.
And in 2019 he won the first season of The Masked Singer Australia as "Robot".
READ MORE IN SPORT
Simpson then ditched his glamorous lifestyle as a world-famous singer in 2019 to dive back into the pool and chase Olympic glory.
The 26-year-old hoped to represent Australia at the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021 - but failed to secure a spot.
Despite his defeat, Simpson went on to secure a gold and silver at the Commonwealth Games for heat swims in the 4x100m freestyle and 4x100m medley relays in Birmingham last year.
And his stunning victory in Brisbane on Monday at the Queensland Swimming Championships means the star is on track for Paris next summer.
FREE BETS - BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
The Paradise singer shaved 0.11 seconds off his personal best to win the 100m butterfly title in 51.67 seconds - the exact time for the Australian Olympic trials qualification.
He then backed it up to finish fifth in the 100m freestyle final at Brisbane Aquatic Centre.
Now ranked ninth in Oz Simpson said after his swim: “I’m so glad it was here tonight. It’s awesome to be looking forward to Olympic trials.
"It’s really important to race well. I grew up racing in this pool and it’s great to get a Queensland open championship.”
The Australian star was a talented swimmer growing up and trained at the Miami Swimming Club based in the Gold Coast, Queensland.
Simpson has been in the limelight before his success in swimming.
His relationship with Miley Cyrus caught media attention as the pair dated for nearly a year, following her split from former spouse Liam Hemsworth.
However, in April 2022 he confirmed he is dating fellow Australian swimmer and eight-time world record holder Emma McKeon.
The Queensland championships are the last meet of the year and Olympic trials will take place from 10th June, five weeks before the 2024 Games in Paris.