Australian swimmers splash out on European holidays after Commonwealth Games victories
Some bearing excess baggage in the form of Commonwealth Games medals, a clutch of Aussie swimmers took time out from the pool to soak up European summer.
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If anyone deserves a holiday it’s record-breaking Olympian Emma McKeon, who was seen on Instagram living her best life travelling Italy with boyfriend Cody Simpson.
The pair were among several Aussie swimmers who took advantage of a well-earned break after they carried the nation to another outright victory in the Commonwealth Games.
World-beater McKeon, 28, was seemingly immersed in the Italian culture, pictured riding a Vespa through the seaside streets and diving into the crystal clear Mediterranean waters.
The most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete of all time uploaded the photo, along with some videos, to Instagram with the caption: “Vesper-ing round town.”
Meanwhile, more than 1000km away in France, Ariarne Titmus was also capitalising on some rare time off, uploading to Instagram a picture of herself enjoying a meal at Cannes La Croisette under the caption: “operation relaxation.”
Further north in the country was Australia’s most damaging duo Chelsea Hodges and Mollie O’Callaghan, who were snapped soaking some rays in Chartres after they took out gold in the 4x100 medley relay with Kaylee McKeown and Emma McKeon.
Kaylee McKeown and Brendon Smith, another blossoming Australian swim team couple, were pictured by the iconic Eiffel Tower as they toured the city of love.
Mack Horton took to Instagram with fellow Aussie swimming athlete Zac Cincerti, enjoying Paris after another successful Commonwealth Games campaign.
Closer to home were freestyle juggernauts Kyle Chalmers and Shayna Jack, with Chalmers posing next to a sports car on the Sunshine Coast and Jack, snapped in Melbourne with the caption, “Melbourne its been a pleasure but I’m ready for some warmer weather.”
The swimmers’ holidays were short-lived though. Most were back in Sydney at by the weekend, where they fell short against the United States in a head-to-head duel in the pool swimming competition.
McKeon was straight down to business with victories in the mixed 400 metres medley relay and 50 metres butterfly.
Simpson also returned to the pool, finishing fifth in the 100m butterfly and 50m freestyle.
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