Australian swimming great Emma McKeon retires

Field Level Media|published: Sun 24th November, 20:12 2024

Jul 27, 2024; Nanterre, France; Emma McKeon (Australia) in the women’s 100-meter butterfly preliminary heats during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Paris La Défense Arena. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars-Imagn Images

Australian swimming legend Emma McKeon announced that she is retiring from swimming at the age of 30.

McKeon is tied with American legend Katie Ledecky for the most Olympic medals (14) won by a female swimmer. McKeon has won six golds, three silvers and five bronzes.

"Today I am officially retiring from competitive swimming," McKeon wrote on Instagram. "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."

McKeon earned seven medals (four golds, three bronzes) at the 2021 Tokyo Games. That haul included winning the 50 and 100 freestyle events.

At the Paris Games last summer, McKeon won one gold, one silver and one bronze, all in relay events.

McKeon's six golds are more than any other Australian swimmer, man or woman.

--Field Level Media