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Kyle Chalmers has explained his powerful post-race gesture after winning gold at the Commonwealth Games as he continues to lash out at the Australian media.
Chalmers put his fingers to his lips in a gesture that suggested he was silencing his critics after taking gold in the 100m freestyle at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on Tuesday.
The pointed gesture comes as the 24-year-old continues to hit back at rumours he's embroiled in a love triangle with Cody Simpson and his ex-flame Emma McKeon.
In a post-race interview, Chalmers said he had been planning the celebration before he had even made it to the blocks and gave fans an insight into his mental state.
'It's something I've envisaged myself doing, probably a bit more of a powerful celebration after a win, but that one was a special one,' Chalmers said.
'That probably means more than giving it a fist bump or a tensing of the muscles. I hope that sends a powerful message.'
The swimmer admitted it was difficult to enjoy his third gold of the meet amid the 'false' headlines he said have overshadowed his team's achievements.
Chalmers put his fingers to his lips in a gesture that suggested he was silencing his critics after taking gold in the 100m freestyle at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on Tuesday
Chalmers has threatened to quit swimming if 'false news' continued to circulate that he was in a love triangle rift with Cody Simpson and his ex-flame Emma McKeon (pictured)
'It is special to win but unfortunately I think it is hard to enjoy the moment when all that has happened has gone on,' he told Channel 7's Cate Campbell.
He said there were moments he had felt like he 'could not continue on' and said he hoped his latest win was 'a learning point for everybody' - including the media.
'The past 48 hours have been hell, a rollercoaster. I was even speaking to my coach before the race and I almost started crying and I'm not an emotional person,' the swimmer said.
'I was hoping to be on the next flight out of here, but I've still got a job to do in the relays for my country and I look forward to doing that.'
Chalmers couldn't confirm if he would compete at the 2024 Olympics in Paris following his spat with the media - despite it being his 'dream' to win gold in France.
'I definitely want to. That's been my dream to win in Paris,' he said.
'But if I have to keep going through a similar thing I won't last until Paris, I know that. It's too challenging and not something I swim for. I know I stand here bravely, but this has really set me back a lot. I really don’t know what’s next for me.'
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Chalmers threatened to quit swimming if 'false news' continued to circulate that he was in a feud with the couple.
Rumours of the rift have followed the Australian team as they compete in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with Chalmers and his teammates taking home gold in the 4x100m freestyle mixed relay and 4x100m freestyle relay.
Chalmers continued his attack on social media claiming the negative attention had taken a toll on his teammates and stolen the spotlight from their achievements.
'Media hurts more then [sic] people realise, only so much we can take before enough is enough,' he wrote.
The pointed gesture (pictured) comes as the 24-year-old continues to hit back at rumours he's involved in a love triangle with Cody Simpson and his ex-flame Emma McKeon
Kyle Chalmers has made a series of fiery Instagram posts following his outburst at a press conference where he slammed the media and their negative coverage of him
Chalmers continued his attack on social media claiming the negative attention had taken a toll on his teammates and stolen the spotlight from their achievements
'What should have been a very special night with my team has ended up being my least favourite in my sport.
'Thank you media for ruining it for us all. Hope you're all happy, sleeping well while we lay here sleepless and upset.'
He added he was grateful for 'those who work in the media that stand by my side and write the truth'.
'They are the only ones I will be talking to from here on out,' he wrote.
The comments add to a lengthy Instagram post attacking the 'false headlines' and threatening to