Seebohm split after reports of affair

AN alleged affair is behind the shock split of Australian swimming’s golden couple Mitch Larkin and Emily Seebohm.

Brisbane’s Courier Mail last night reported rumours have been swirling within the swimming fraternity that Larkin had allegedly been engaged in an affair with a swimmer outside the Australian swim team, which ultimately led to Seebohm announcing their separation last Friday after a public two-year relationship.

Larkin declined to comment — as did Seebohm and a spokesman for the Australian swim team. However, multiple sources confirmed rumours of an alleged relationship surfaced around the time of PanPacific championships trials in Adelaide early this month and Seebohm subsequently discovered the affair.

One source said while the couple had agreed to work through the situation, the relationship came to a head on Thursday when Seebohm uncovered new information about the alleged affair.

That night they took part in Treasury Brisbane’s ICON fashion show. Following her commitments, she found a friend to say she “was leaving straight away” while another insider said they “saw her leave the hotel and it looked to me like she was crying”.

“They were not tight (backstage) like I had seen them previously and she looked quite agitated,” a bystander said. Larkin was seen leaving soon after.

It is understood that Seebohm chose to announce the split on Instagram on Friday.

“I would like to take this opportunity before more speculation and rumours are spread. Due to current events that have occurred, Mitch Larkin and I have decided to end our relationship,” she wrote.

It is understood Larkin was disappointed that Seebohm had made the break-up public.