Australia’s most successful Olympic swimmer Emma McKeon has announced her retirement from elite swimming.
The three-time Olympian made the announcement in a post on Instagram, saying she is excited for what the future holds.
“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,” the 30-year-old from Wollongong, NSW 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.”
McKeon made her Olympic debut at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Games, after narrowly missing out on a spot for the London 2012 Olympics.
Her most successful Games were the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she won seven medals in total. It was the most a female swimmer had ever won at a single Olympic Games, and equalled the most medals won by a female athlete in any sport at a single Olympic tournament.
At the recent Olympics in Paris, McKeon won a gold medal in the 4x100m freestyle team, a silver in the 4x100m medley team, and a bronze in the 4x100m mixed medley team.
Throughout her career, she has won 14 medals, six of which were gold – the most gold medals won by a single athlete in Australian Olympic history.
“Swimming has given me so much,” McKeon continued in her post on Instagram.
“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.”
Anna Meares, the Chef de Mission for the Australian Olympic Team in Paris, said McKeon’s contribution to Australia’s efforts at the Olympics has been “profound”, and thanked her for all her hard work.
“Throughout her career Emma has acted with humility and a genuine love of what she is doing,” Meares said.
“She has a quiet and unassuming nature but was a ferocious and feared competitor, one I had the privilege to see as a teammate, a sports fan and as a Chef de Mission. To stay at the top of her field over three Games and surpass the medal tally of every other Australian Olympian in our proud history is testament to Emma’s character and commitment.
“Emma leaves the sport as an icon. We are so proud of everything she has achieved and wish her nothing but joy in her future, wherever that may be.”
Fellow teammates, Olympians and Aussie sport icons alike commented on McKeon’s Instagram post, congratulating McKeon on her 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,” former Olympic swimmer Giaan Rooney wrote. “Congratulations Emma, enjoy this next chapter!”
“So proud of you, Emma,” fellow freestyle swimmer Mollie O’Callahan said. “You’ve been such an inspiration both in and out of the water. Congrats on an amazing career, I can’t wait to see what’s next for you!”
“Incredible. What a career,” Australian canoeist Jessica Fox wrote. “Proud to have shared a few teams with you. Congrats Emma. Enjoy whatever is next!”
“Love your work, Emma,” Australian tennis legend Ash Barty said. “Enjoy the next chapter.”