Swimming

Australian Olympic champion announces retirement from swimming

The six-time gold medal winner will retire effective immediately

Published by
Mitchell White

At 30 years old, Paris was always going to be her last Olympics, but Emma McKeon has now announced she will retire from all competitions effective immediately.

Serving as our nation's most decorated Olympic medallist with six gold in a total of 14 medals, McKeon announced a statement on social media.

"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."

Tokyo 2020 was by far McKeon's most successful Olympic campaign taking home four gold medals including a world record time in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay.

McKeon will go down as one of Australia's greatest ever swimmers.

Published by
Mitchell White