Emotional Cody Simpson Sheds Sad Tears as Mack Horton Announces Retirement From Swimming

“Grateful for all I’ve experienced, and even more so for those who’ve stood alongside me and made it possible. I wouldn’t change a moment. Thank you swimming. Thank you Australia.” These are the words Mack Horton typed in his latest Instagram post as he announced his retirement. These words have left several fans of Horton emotional, including fellow swimmer Cody Simpson.

Singer and actor Cody Simpson has weaved several complex emotions in his musical and theatrical performances. However, the Australian swimming sensation couldn’t stop himself from crying when Mack Horton decided to finally hang up his goggles forever. Penning a heartfelt message for his teammate and friend, Simpson shared a social media update that saw him pour his heart out.

Cody Simpson chisels out his bond with Mack Horton

Cody Simpson took to Instagram and added a story that featured Horton’s retirement announcement post. The story carried the caption, “A man I admire very much. A man I’m fortunate to now call one of my closest friends. Had a tear or two watching this. you are one of a kind.”

Simpson further wrote, “An Australian hero beyond the realm of sport. You possess an unmatched humility and class that we should all aspire to congratulations on closing this chapter. @mackhorton.” Cody Simpson gave this reaction to a reel posted by Mack Horton that compiled the various career highlights of the Olympic champ.

Mack Horton and Cody Simpson have been swimming together for quite some time. The duo also won a gold and a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham. While the retirement of any young athlete comes as a shocker, fans are especially taken aback by the retirement of Horton. Especially since he suddenly dropped this on them when the Olympics were so close.

The lack of appetite for another Olympic run

Mack Horton is just 27 years old and certainly had a lot of years of competition in him. But, Horton didn’t see things the same way. Speaking to Swimming Australia, Horton said, “I dearly wanted to swim in Paris, but the hunger wasn’t there… I always want to give my all, and I am not someone who just wants to make up the numbers, so this is the right time to step away.” 

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Several weeks ago, Cody Simpson had made a post on Instagram stating that he will “crack the code” very soon. Many took it as a direct hint by Simpson to medal at the Paris Olympics. With Mack Horton retiring from the sport, Simpson will look forward to winning under the Australian flag from his side as well. Will Simpson be able to achieve the heights Horton did?

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