Kyle Chalmers cited the toll from “made up story lines” on his mental health for missing the announcement of Australia’s swimming team on Sunday night. He was absent when Dolphins squads for the world titles and Commonwealth Games were named and the swimmers presented pool-side after the national titles in Adelaide.
The tabloid narrative suggested Chalmers reversed his decision not to swim at the worlds to keep Simpson off the team. Chalmers finished second behind Matt Temple in the 100 metres butterfly at the selection trials, with Simpson third. Only the top two secured selection for next month’s world championships in Budapest. If Chalmers stuck to his original decision to skip the worlds, Simpson was set to be picked.
“The negative media attention surrounding my decision to compete at worlds and the made up story lines surrounding my personal life have been more than I can handle. The best thing for me right now is to take a break at home in Port Lincoln, surrounded by my friends and family.” Simpson missed selection for the worlds, but he is on the Commonwealth Games team which had a looser selection criteria of a top-three finish at the trials.