Olympian Emma McKeon on the steps of the North Wollongong promenade that has been named in her honour. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
Australia’s most decorated Olympian, Wollongong’s Emma McKeon, is officially retiring from competitive swimming.
McKeon, 30, had revealed earlier this year that the Paris Games would be her last Olympics.
She finished those Games with a sixth and final Olympic gold medal as a member of Australia’s 4x100m freestyle team, surpassing Ian Thorpe’s previous benchmark for the most golds won by an Australian.
She also won bronze in the 4x100m mixed medley in Paris, and added 4x100m medley silver on the final night of the pool meet for a total career haul of 14 medals, making her the third-most decorated Olympic swimmer in history.
When unveiling a plaque in her honour in front of North Wollongong Surf Club in September, McKeon said her most emotional Games moment was walking out for her final individual event knowing it would be the last time she would stand in front of an Olympic crowd.
She announced her decision on Instagram this morning (25 November).
“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,” she said.
“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.
Emma McKeon at her family’s Unanderra swim school with long-time instructor Lorraine “Lozza” Breska. Photo: McKeon’s Swim School.
“Swimming has given me so much. From the dream igniting at five 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 THANK YOU.
“Now I am excited to see how I can push myself in other ways, and for all the things that life has in store.”
After unveiling her plaque along the North Wollongong promenade, Emma said she had no idea she was on track to be Australia’s most decorated Olympian at the 2024 Games, and only found out about the milestone achievement in post-race press conferences.
“I never really keep track of stats, so it was a bit of a shock to be honest,” she said.
“It’s also a huge honour – you grow up looking up to Olympic champions; it was a huge dream of mine, but you don’t see it happening.
“I grew up doing Nippers on this beach, and if you told 10-year-old Emma where she would be now she wouldn’t believe you.
“Putting your all into something feels so much better than wishing you gave it a go – I hope this inspires others to follow their dreams.”
Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) President Ian Chesterman paid tribute to Emma’s achievements.
“Emma has added her own incredible chapter to Australia’s history at the Olympic Games,” he said.
“Emma has been an extraordinary athlete who has etched herself a special place in Australian sporting landscape, particularly through her success at the Olympics.
“Emma is recognised not just in Australia, but around the world, as one of the greatest Olympians ever.
“We thank Emma for her wonderful contribution to Australian sport. She is a humble champion and a fantastic role model. We wish her great success and happiness in the next chapter of her life.”
Original Article published by Jen White on Region Illawarra.
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