Emma McKeon, Australia’s most decorated Olympian, announced her retirement from competitive swimming on Monday, marking the end of a remarkable career that saw her win 14 Olympic medals and 20 World Championship medals.
The 30-year-old swimmer hinted at her decision to step away after the Paris Olympics earlier this year, where she added a gold, silver, and bronze in relay events, contributing to Australia’s most successful Summer Games.
“I will definitely miss it,” McKeon said in her retirement statement. “Swimming has given me so many incredible relationships and shaped the person I am today. But I’m ready for the next chapter of my life, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. I don’t think I’ve had the time yet to reflect on everything.”
A Legendary Career
McKeon missed her chance to compete in the London Olympics as a teenager but rose to prominence at the Rio Games in 2016, where she secured her first Olympic gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay, along with two silver medals in other relays and a bronze in the 200m freestyle. Her performance in Tokyo in 2021 solidified her legacy. She claimed two individual golds in the 100m and 50m freestyle, two relay golds, and three bronze medals, making her the most decorated athlete at those Games.
Australia’s swimming coach Rohan Taylor praised McKeon as a role model for aspiring swimmers. “She carried herself with dignity and grace throughout her career. What people don’t often see is how incredibly tough she is.”
Swimming Australia CEO and McKeon’s uncle, Rob Woodhouse, highlighted her Tokyo 100m freestyle victory as a career-defining moment. McKeon finished 0.31 seconds ahead of Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey in what Woodhouse described as “one of the greatest races I’ve ever watched.”
A Legacy of Excellence
McKeon’s achievements include six Olympic gold medals, five world titles, and being part of relay teams that set eight world records, three of which still stand. Beyond her records, she hopes her story inspires young athletes to persevere.
“Missing out on the London Olympics was tough,” McKeon reflected. “But I want young kids to know that I was once in their shoes, dreaming of achieving something big. You have your ups and downs, but if you keep pushing forward, anything is possible.”
McKeon now looks forward to the next chapter of her life while leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations of swimmers.
