Following a stellar career in the pool, swimming sensation Emma McKeon has announced her retirement from competitive swimming.
The eight-time world record holder who boasts an impressive tally of 14 Olympic medals and holds the title of Australia’s most decorated Olympian announced that she was stepping away from her swimming career in an announcement on social media.
“Today I am officially retiring from competitive swimming,” she began.
“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.”
Fellow swimming legends joined fans in wishing McKeon all the best in her future endeavours while reflecting on her “incredible career”.
“It’s been an absolute privilege watching you go from strength to strength, to now retire with legend status & a legacy that will be remembered forever. Congratulations Emma, enjoy this next chapter!” former Australian swimmer Giaan Rooney wrote.
“Simply the greatest!!!Enjoy the next chapter in your life,” Australian swimmer and Olympic gold medallist Michael Klim said in response to McKeon’s announcement.
“Thank you for giving your all to the sport we love to watch and being a great roll model for our up and coming athletes.Look forward to seeing your new endeavour,” commented one fan.
“Congratulations on an incredible career. You’re an incredible woman in and out of the pool. Can’t wait to see what’s next.”
“Will miss having you around Em! All the best for the future,” wrote another.
McKeon’s remarkable swimming career began in 2010 with her debut at World Short Course, followed by a standout performance at the inaugural Youth Olympics in Singapore, where she claimed one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.
Her senior international debut came at the 2013 World Championships, where she claimed three silver medals all in relays.
In 2018 she took her Commonwealth Games medal tally from six to an impressive 12, winning gold in the 100m butterfly, 4x100m freestyle relay, 4x200m freestyle relay and the 4x100m medley relay securing bronze in the 200m freestyle and 200m butterfly.
In her fourth successive appearance at the World Championships in 2019, McKeon won gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay and the 4x200m freestyle relay, silver in the 4x100m medley relay, mixed 4x100m medley relay and mixed 4x100m freestyle relay, bronze in the 100m butterfly.
McKeon took a brief hiatus from competitive swimming before returning in 2022 at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where she became the most successful competitor in the event’s history, bringing her total medal count to 20, including 14 golds.
Her eight medals in Birmingham also matched the records for the most medals and most gold medals won by a competitor at a single Games.
In 2023, McKeon contributed to the Dolphins’ record-breaking performance at the World Championships in Fukuoka, where the team secured 13 gold, seven silver, and five bronze medals.
As the anchor swimmer in Australia’s 4x100m freestyle victory on the opening night in Fukuoka, McKeon joined Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, and Meg Harris to deliver a world record time of 3:27.96.
She also competed in the 4x100m medley relay, swimming the butterfly leg for the Australian team, which secured a silver medal after a narrow defeat to the United States. This marked McKeon’s 20th career World Championship medal, surpassing Grant Hackett’s long-standing Australian record of 19.
McKeon continued her success at the 2024 Australian Championships, winning gold in the 100m butterfly and securing her spot for the Paris Olympics with a 56.85 in the 100m butterfly at the trials.
McKeon retires with several Australian swimming records to her name including the women’s 100m free (51.96, 2020 Olympics), 100m fly (55.72, 2020 Olympics) and SCM 50 free (23.04, 2022 Worlds), a lasting testament to her remarkable prowess in the pool.”