Olympic champion Kyle Chalmers has hit out at media coverage of the selection drama between himself and Cody Simpson that’s overshadowed the Australian Swimming Championships in Adelaide.
Chalmers was cast as the bad boy for denying Simpson a spot on the team for next month’s world championships in Budapest, after the pair finished second and third in the 100m butterfly.
The top two earn selection for the world titles, but Chalmers had previously flagged he wouldn’t compete in Hungary, opening the door for Simpson to earn a spot on his first national team.
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But a backflip from Chalmers meant Simpson missed out, with the Olympic champion dismissing as “pathetic” claims his decision was due to the fact Simpson is reportedly dating his ex-girlfriend Emma McKeon.
Chalmers said the call was based on the fact he’d started out as a butterfly swimmer, and only his body had prevented him representing Australia in that event previously.
Despite missing out on the team for the world titles, Simpson has been named in the Dolphins’ squad for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in July.
Chalmers was notably absent from the announcement of that team.
“The past few days have been really challenging for me mentally and emotionally and it’s taken a massive toll on me. I need to look after my mental health and get myself right as I prepare for a massive year in the pool,” Chalmers wrote on Instagram.
“The negative media attention surrounding my decision to compete at worlds and the made up story lines surrounding my personal life have been more than I can handle. After giving my all to the sport and being so welcoming to the media all my career, it’s a shame to see them publish storyline’s questioning my integrity all for the sake of extra clicks and money.
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“The best thing for me right now is to take a break at home in Port Lincoln, surrounded by my friends and family.
“I am grateful for the opportunity too (sic) represent my country again, who knows how many more chances I will have too (sic) do so… So I am making the most of my opportunities and living out my dreams before it’s all over. I hope I can make you all proud.”
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