Commonwealth Games: Cody Simpson upbeat after fifth in 100m butterfly final, with Matt Temple earning silver

Despite missing out on earning his first individual medal, pop star-turned professional swimmer Cody Simpson says more is on the horizon.

Simpson went for his first shot at individual gold in the men’s 100m butterfly final on Wednesday.

Simpson started in lane two, while fellow Aussie Matthew Temple was the favourite to take the gold in lane four after becoming the fastest qualifier.

Both made a solid start, although Temple managed to move up to third place halfway through the race.

As the pace picked up, Temple kicked into high gear to tie with England’s James Guy to claim silver with a time of 51.40 — 0.16 seconds behind Canadian Joshua Liendo Edwards.

Simpson put in a solid performance in the middle of the pack, finishing fifth with a time of 52.06.

After the race, Simpson said he wants to inspire people to do whatever they want to do, proving it is never too late.

“It’s just an amazing experience,” he said.

“I went out there and just put in the best I could tonight so I can’t ask for much more.

“It’s very exciting.”

Simpson admitted walking out to compete in a Commonwealth Games final was more nerve-racking than entering a stadium full of screaming and adoring fans.

“With experience comes confidence and I’m still gathering the experience and therefore still gaining confidence,” he said.

“I’m happy to be here and win or lose I can go back to the drawing board and come back stronger.

“I’m already way ahead of where I thought I would be at this stage.

“I want to inspire young people to know that they can do whatever they want to do even if they feel like it’s too late or they’re too old to pick something up.

“You’ve just got to do it.”

Temple said he was “pretty over the moon” to claim a silver medal in his first Commonwealth Games.

“It’s pretty unreal,” he said.