Brothers Callum and Henry Simpson reflect on Paralympic, surf lifesaving heroics

Sunshine Coast siblings Callum and Henry Simpson have given a raw insight into their special sporting bond as they reflect and praise each other on their recent individual achievements.

Brothers Callum and Henry Simpson.

Sunshine Coast Brothers Callum and Henry Simpson are both revelling in what has been the most successful two weeks of their young careers.

Paralympic swimming debutant Callum flew in from Paris on Wednesday morning with two gold medals in his carry on after finishing top of the podium in the men’s 100m freestyle S8 and mixed 4x100m Medley Relay 34pts.

The 17-year-old also picked up a silver medal for his heat swim in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay.

Silver medallists (right to left) Alexa Leary, Callum Simpson, Chloe Osborn and Rowan Crothers of Team Australia pose for a photo during the Mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay. Picture: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images.

While Callum was making waves in Paris, Henry was diving into them on the Gold Coast, donning the green and gold cap for the first time as part of the National Youth Team at the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships.

Henry racked up 15 medals, including eight gold, in what was an outstanding debut by the 18-year-old.

The Alexandra Heads clubman said that the best thing about being part of the national team was the team events.

“When you have come together throughout the week and all the boys are bonding, to win multiple gold medals in the team events together is something pretty special,” Henry said.

Alexandra Headland rising star Henry Simpson. Picture: Instagram.

Callum, a grade 11 Matthew Flinders Anglican College student and Henry, a 2023 graduate, both admit their biggest inspirations are each other.

“I got into sport because of Henry, especially when I was younger, he would be doing surf lifesaving, playing footy, swimming and I wanted to do that too,” Callum said.

“I look up to him, he would be my role model definitely,” said Callum.

Callum was diagnosed at birth with microdeletion syndrome, which is a genetic disorder that delays learning and causes physical impairments.

“It’s everything I ever dreamed of and to finally have my dream come true is amazing,” Callum said.

Gold medallist Callum Simpson of Team Australia reacts on the podium during the Para Swimming Men's 100m Freestyle S8 medal. Picture: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images.

“I wouldn’t have been able to get here without my family, my coach back home Chris Wright, my previous coach Janelle Pallister and all my friends back at home.

“They all got me here and I’m so grateful for them and I can’t thank anyone enough.”

Henry said he was extremely proud of his brothers efforts.

“He has overcome so much,” he said.

“To do that (win gold in the 100m Freestyle final) and see how much it means to him is something that I’ll never forget and something that I’ll cherish forever.”