- Cody Simpson says he’s so proud of partner Emma McKeon
- McKeon is now Australia’s greatest Olympic champion
- Simpson says McKeon will be so humble about her record
Cody Simpson spoke with pride about her partner Emma McKeon after she made sporting history for Australia on the first day of the Paris Olympics, becoming the country’s most successful gold medallist.
The 30-year-old won the 4x100m freestyle relay on the opening night in the pool to give McKeon six gold medals, one more than legend Ian Thorpe.
Simpson, who nearly qualified for the Games, hugged McKeon after the swim.
“We’re all proud of her,” Simpson said on Nine.
‘She’ll be so humble about it. She’ll never say it herself, but it’s pretty special what she’s done.
“It’s unreal. She had a scorching swim this morning – she really wanted to be in that final and get on that podium.
“I’m so proud of her for making that happen.”
Thorpe was impressed that McKeon was the one who finally exceeded his standard.
Cody Simpson says he is very proud of Emma McKeon after she wrote her name in the history books by becoming the country’s most prolific gold medalist
Mckeon won her sixth gold medal, breaking the record she previously shared with Ian Thorpe
“It’s amazing,” he said in his commentary.
‘This couldn’t have happened to anyone better, really.’
‘She is the most successful swimmer and the most successful Olympian in our country.
“She should be praised for who she is, what she has meant to the sport.”
Things are a far cry from 12 years ago, when McKeon narrowly missed out on selection for the London Olympics and considered quitting the sport.
“When I look back at that young (person) – I think I was 17 when I missed London – you could never have told her I was going to do this,” McKeon said.
“It’s just perseverance, you have ups and downs. You just keep going and you keep checking the boxes. I can’t believe where I am now.”
Simpson said McKeon will be “so humbled” by the impressive benchmark
It’s no mystery to McKeon why Australia’s women’s 4x100m freestyle have won the last four Olympic gold medals.
“As the years go by, the standard just keeps getting higher. If you look at the history of this event for Australia, everyone wants to be a part of it,” she said.
“The bar keeps getting higher, that’s probably what makes this team stronger.”
McKeon continues her campaign in Paris on Sunday in the 100m butterfly.
She will also likely compete in the 4x100m medley relay and the 4x100m mixed medley relay.