After my time swimming officially ended in June, Cody Simpson now has space to reflect on his rollercoaster journey From Pool to Popstar to Pool …and then back again.
It’s been a whirlwind journey for the 27-year-old, full of ups and downs, and complete with a Hollywood love story in the background.
However, some may cruelly think that Simpson’s failure to make the Australian team to Paris meant that the last few years were an utter waste of time and energy.
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One thought is that Simpson has had plenty of time to fight now that he is stepping back into the entertainment industry.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Simpson decided to bare her soul about her return to the pool with an emotional essay.
And he suddenly realized that the ‘looking back’ theory couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Reflection and retrospect have probably shown me why I had this dream in the first place,” he said.
“There was something in me that wanted to grow, a fire that wanted to be stoked, a source that wanted to be tapped. Something was sorely missing from my world – and pushing deep into my body and mind brought it back to me.
“I wanted to swim! I wanted to hurt. To dig! To face parts of myself that I had yet to face. I was put in situations I wasn’t sure I could handle. When you are sure that you cannot do this, you will have to get up and leave. To find something when you are convinced that there is nothing left! All this to know yourself.
“The whole affair was as much a spiritual exploration as it was physical.
“Of course, the medals and accolades were beneficial. But these findings are more valuable than gold.
“Although at times I have felt that my creative ability had diminished a bit during the years I prioritized my work in the pool (because all my energy was going into my body). I have come to understand that this entire incident has opened doors to many more parts of me than I realized in the moment.
“It wasn’t just physical. It was creative.
“Indeed, it has attracted me very much to move forward, not unlike an arrow being drawn back into the bow.
“The approach brings out perspectives that were hitherto inaccessible. I am grateful for this game.”
Following Simpson’s retirement, doors have quickly opened for him again.
He has appeared and performed at many events including the AFL Grand Final.
In November, she was cast as the lead role for Opera Australia’s version of the famous Broadway musical Guys and Dolls.
Simpson also has the big responsibility of playing Sky Masterson, the same character played by legendary actor Marlon Brando in the 1955 film Guys and Dolls.
