Australia’s most decorated Olympic medallist Emma McKeon has announced her retirement from swimming.
The 30-year-old entered Paris 2024 having already announced it would be her third and last Olympics, but had left the door open to continue competing.
However, she has now shut that door, confirming the news in a statement on social media.
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McKeon bows out with six Olympic gold medals among 14 in total, as well as a host of other accolades.
“Today I am officially retiring from competitive swimming,” she wrote. “Leading into Paris, I knew it would be my last Olympics, and the months since have given me time to reflect on my journey, and think about what I wanted my future to look like in swimming.
“I am proud of myself for giving my swimming career absolutely everything, both physically and mentally.
“I wanted to see what I was capable of – and I did.
“Swimming has given me so much. From the dream igniting at 5 years old, right through to my third Olympic games – I have so many lessons, experiences, friendships and memories that I am so thankful for. Along with every person who supported me, worked hard with me, and cheered me on. THANKYOU.
“Now I am excited to see how I can push myself in other ways, and for all the things that life has in store.”
McKeon’s announcement was flooded with messages from superstars from Australia and around the world.
“Incredible. What a career👏 proud to have shared a few teams with you. Congrats Emma ❤️ Enjoy whatever is next!” Jess Fox wrote.
“So proud of you Em ❤️❤️ you’re a legend in and out of the pool forever xxx,” fellow swimmer Ariarne Titmus said.
“Love your work, Emma. Enjoy the next chapter 😍,” Ash Barty added.
“What an amazing career! Truely blessed to have the honour to train alongside you,” Emily Seebohm said.
“There is no one else like you, incredible athlete and extraordinary woman. An honour to be apart of your career and I am so proud to be your friend. Congratulations, can’t wait to see what you do next! ❤️,” Jenna Strauch added.
Born into a swimming family, McKeon always appeared destined for greatness.
After narrowly missing out on a spot in the 2012 team, McKeon made her Olympics debut in Rio four years later.
She won her first gold as a member of the 4x100m freestyle relay team, while she also picked up two silvers.
But that was nothing compared to what she achieved at the next Olympics in Tokyo. She won four gold among seven medals in total — the equal most won by a female athlete in any sport at a single Games.
She added another gold to her haul this year in Paris, as well as a silver and bronze to be the most decorated Australian Olympian of all time.