Cody Simpson Reflects on Relationship with Olympic Swimmer Emma McKeon
Cody Simpson has opened up about his recent breakup with Olympic swimmer Emma McKeon after four years together. The split, confirmed last month, prompted Simpson to share insights on the latest episode of the We Need To Talk with Paul C Brunson podcast.
Simpson, 29, first encountered McKeon, 31, in 2021 upon returning to Australia from Los Angeles to resume competitive swimming. “She was in the training group that I joined when we went back, so we met at the pool, training under the same coach,” Simpson explained. The pair quickly formed a strong friendship, bonded by their intense shared training routines.
Careful Steps into Romance
Simpson emphasized the deliberate consideration he gave before advancing their relationship. “You have to put a lot of thought into whether that’s a bridge you want to cross with somebody that you know you’re going to be spending the next four years with every day,” he stated. “That environment is so intense, adding a romantic layer to it is something that you really have to think about.”
Despite the end of the relationship, Simpson described their time together as positive. “I think after a certain amount of time it was inevitable and something that ended up being a really beautiful thing for us to do together – moving in together and living that lifestyle together,” he said. “It’s a lifestyle that’s hard to understand. I feel it would be different to be with someone who isn’t doing it while you’re doing it.”
He expressed gratitude for their mutual support. “Having Emma in my life to support me through my goals and vice versa – we were able to be that for each other and lift each other up. She is a special person,” Simpson added.
Past High-Profile Romances
During the podcast, Simpson also revisited earlier relationships with Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Miley Cyrus. He detailed his approach to starting a romance with Hadid, whom he dated on and off for two years beginning around age 16.
A chance mall encounter led to him obtaining her number through a friend. Simpson then cold-called her with a fabricated story. “I cold called her and said: ‘Hey, it’s Cody, I’m a musician. I’m doing a music video and was calling to ask if you wanted to be in it.’ There was no music video,” he revealed. “I pitched her this whole concept that didn’t exist. I started texting her: ‘I don’t think the video is happening any more but do you want to go out for food?’ She was my first love.”
Family Confirmation and Recent Developments
Simpson’s sister, Alli Simpson, confirmed the breakup on The Morning Show last month. “She is like sunshine in human form, so I’m just so happy they can move forward,” Alli stated. The couple, who began dating in April 2022, had fueled speculation through increasingly separate lifestyles.
Simpson appears to have moved forward, recently spotted in Los Angeles walking arm-in-arm with influencer Adelia Clark, 32. The pair seemed at ease, with Simpson embracing her closely outside a café.

