Cody Simpson shares what ‘saved’ him from Hollywood chaos

Cody Simpson has candidly shared how his journey into competitive swimming provided a refuge from the tumult of Hollywood fame. During an appearance on Nova 96.9’s Fitzy & Wippa radio show, the former pop star reflected on the chaotic lifestyle that accompanied his rise to fame at a young age.

Simpson, who moved to Los Angeles at just 13, acknowledged that he had largely abandoned swimming for nearly a decade while pursuing his music career. “Eventually, I came to realize how much I needed it, especially toward the end, as I found myself missing it dearly,” he admitted.

The Australian talent first made waves in the sports world in 2009 at the tender age of 12, clinching the Queensland Age Group Championship in the 100m butterfly. However, as he began posting popular music covers on YouTube, his musical aspirations took precedence, and his swimming dreams were put on the back burner.

“I truly believe swimming saved me from many of the chaos associated with fame… it kept me from slipping into excesses like partying,” Simpson confessed. “Without it, I might have strayed closer to the edge on more than one occasion.”

In 2019, Simpson took a leap of faith, stepping away from his music career to focus on his Olympic aspirations. He identified swimming as a childhood dream worth pursuing. His dedication paid off when he competed for Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. However, despite his efforts, he faced disappointment by missing the qualification for Paris 2024, ultimately leading him to retire from competitive swimming.

Throughout his athletic journey, Simpson also forged a close relationship with fellow swimmer Emma McKeon. He highlighted the unique bond they shared, both having lived parallel lives and following similar training schedules, which made their journey together even more special.

In sharing his experiences, Simpson shines a light on the critical importance of finding balance and purpose amid the overwhelming allure of fame, illustrating how passion for sport can provide stability in a chaotic world.