Cody Simpson took a massive step towards achieving his Olympics ambition by winning the Queensland 100m butterfly title in Brisbane as his superstar partner Emma McKeon was forced out of the event with an arm injury.
McKeon is nursing a torn muscle in a massive blow to her Games preparation and has been told not to rush back into competition.
The 11-time Olympic medallist was due to race alongside Cate Campbell in Monday’s 100m freestyle heats but was withdrawn by her coach Michael Bohl, who confirmed it was a “precaution”.
Bohl said McKeon had been managing “a minor tear under her armpit for some weeks” and the medical advice was to not rush back into competition.
The championships are the last meet of the year and McKeon will aim to be ready for the Olympic trials in June, five weeks before the 2024 Games in Paris.
McKeon won four golds at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and seven medals in total.
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She could be joined by Simpson in the team after the former pop star took 0.11 seconds of his personal best to win in 51.67 on Monday night, equalling the Paris Olympic qualification time in the process.
The 26-year-old then backed it up to finish fifth in the 100m freestyle final at Brisbane Aquatic Centre.
Simpson has had Paris in his sights after putting his music career on hold to return to the pool. He made the 100m butterfly final at the 2021 Olympic trials but missed a spot on Australia’s Games team.
He then won Commonwealth Games gold and silver medals for heat swims in the 4x100m freestyle and 4x100m medley relays in Birmingham last year.
But his Monday night effort put him in the frame for an individual berth that could be secured at June’s Olympic trials at the same venue
“I’m so glad it was here tonight,” Simpson said of his new benchmark.
“It’s awesome to be looking forward to Olympic trials; it’s really important to race well.
“I grew up racing in this pool and it’s great to get a Queensland open championship.”
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