Cody Simpson doubtful of Tokyo Olympics chances

Cody Simpson says making the Australian swimming team for the Tokyo Olympics “is a long shot”, but he has his eye on Paris 2024.

Cody Simpson has described his pre-Tokyo training regimen as “pretty gnarly”.

Working out on average 17 times per week, including pool sessions, spin classes, gym and weights, the 24-year-old is putting everything in to qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics.

He is however realistic of his chances with the next step to Tokyo the Australian Swimming Trials that take place in South Australia mid June.

Cody Simpson has described his pre-Tokyo training regimen as “pretty gnarly”. Picture: Jamie Green

“I was never under any delusions,” Simpson tells GQ Australia, appearing on the cover of the latest issue of the digital magazine. “Making the team for me this year is a long shot. Anyone trying to do it in less than a year is nuts and to pull it off, you’d have to be Hercules. But I’m certainly a lot closer than I thought I’d be at this point. Initially I didn’t think I’d be competitive until I’d had at least two years of training under my belt. So the fact that I can even compete at trials and be top eight, top 10 in the country for my event that is really cool. If you’d told me that when I started training, I don’t think I’d believe you.”

In his interview with GQ, Simpson also addresses his early days of his rise to fame as a pop singer, when, at 13, he was signed to the same manager as Justin Bieber. Picture: Jamie Green

In the wide-ranging interview, Simpson also addresses his early days of his rise to fame as a pop singer, when, at 13, he was signed to the same manager as Justin Bieber.

“I was so naive to it all, so I was just along for the ride. At that age, you're just blinded by the lights a little bit. I barely even knew how to conduct myself and I’m in a room with, like, Ellen DeGeneres and having to figure it out as I went. Having to shake a bunch of hands and talk to parents of fans that wanted this and that for their daughter or son. I had to grow up very fast.”

Simpson, who is happily in a relationship with model Marloes Stevens after splitting from Miley Cyrus, will release new music after the Olympics.

Whatever happens at the Australian Swimming Trials, he is determined to represent the country at an Olympic Games with the guidance of mentor and friend Ian Thorpe.

“The talent and ability I had when I was young and the appetite for work that I have in the pool, it’s just a matter of time before that work compounds into something great,” he said. “But I know it may well take multiple years before I see that leap. I’ve had the chance to talk to the best swimmers of all time and they all say you have to give it four years. So I’m going to go and do as best I can this season at trials, but just keep my eye on the main goal, which for me is the Paris Olympics in 2024, which I still have three years to train for.”

CODY SIMPSON DRAFTS THORPEY AS OLYMPIC MENTOR

It’s an Olympic-sized dream that will see international celebrity Cody Simpson turn his back on LA and resettle back in Australia.

And the pop prince is so serious about wearing the green and gold in Paris in 2024, he has drafted in Australia’s greatest Olympian to help.

It can be revealed Ian Thorpe agreed to guide Simpson on his ambitious swimming quest a year ago – on one condition.

“I said I would only mentor him if he kept singing and kept playing his instruments – he needs these things in his life,” Thorpe, 38, said.

“He will be a better athlete and a more rounded person with other interests.”

At 24, Simpson is the same age as Thorpe was when he retired from the sport in 2006, with five Olympic gold medals under his belt.

And like Thorpe, he is a household name – only trading in the company of celebrities for the long black line.

“Frankly I couldn’t understand why so I asked to have a conversation with him before I agreed to work with him, I just wanted to ask why,” Thorpe said.

“We make assumptions about people and my perception was completely inaccurate … I didn’t know Cody at all.

“And he told me, swimming was unfinished business. It was a part of him that he missed when he chose music.

“He also said he was fully committed – and he has since showed me what he is capable of.

“When the public 50m pools closed down in the US – he was the guy tying himself to a bungee cord and swimming against the tension in any old pool he could find.”

Cody Simpson leaves the pool after racing in the Mens 50m Butterfly final during the 2021 Australian Swimming Championships at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. Picture: Getty

Returning to the sport after an 11-year hiatus, Simpson will line up on the blocks for next month’s Olympic trials in Adelaide in the 100m butterfly and the 50m freestyle.

But it’s the Paris Games that Simpson, and his entourage, realistically have in their sights.

“This isn’t a random decision – I want to represent Australia at the Olympics,” said Simpson, who commands more than 10 million followers on social media, and dated Miley Cyrus.

The Broadway performer, who moved home to the Gold Coast last month to train with celebrated coach Michael Bohl, said he was here for the long haul.

“I really think so,” Simpson said.

“I have lived in the US way too long … I am ready to come back and don’t plan on living back there in the United States any time soon.

“The way Australia is now … is amazing, it’s a wonderful kind of haven. And the way the rest of the world is … it’s the perfect place for me to train.

“I’m absolutely loving where I’m at with my new coach and the group that I swim with and … I’m very comfy.

Cody Simpson and Ian Thorpe talk during the 2021 Australian Swimming Championships at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. Picture: Getty

Despite admitting being starstruck when competing at the Australian Swimming Championships in April, Simpson said Thorpe’s mentorship was invaluable.

“He (Thorpe) was swimming’s first real superstar and he teaches me how to handle the pressure and mental side of things,” he said.

“He keeps me grounded and in reality.

“I put an immense amount of pressure on myself.

“I would do that in any endeavour I was undertaking. It’s natural for me to be this way … to keep myself accountable … but I am also having a lot of fun which helps with the pressure.

“And I don’t feel the pressure as much on a day-to-day basis because I am having fun. I actually really love the sport and always have.”

Cody Simpson during a training session at the 2021 Australian Swimming Championships at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. Picture: Getty

And as for the physical change to Simpson’s already impressive physique – he actually thinks he has gone too far.

“You know … I think I have to lean out a little bit. I have started to put on too much muscle … you don’t need to be a weightlifter to be a swimmer.

“I think it’ll sort itself out in the next few years.”

Just in time for Paris Olympics 2024.

The Australian Swimming Trials will be exclusively available to stream live only on Amazon Prime Video from June 12-17.