We have a history maker in our midst. Emma McKeon has become the most successful athlete in Commonwealth Games history after securing her 11th gold medal in Birmingham.
She surpasses other Australian greats Ian Thorpe, Susie O’Neill and Leisel Jones who each have 10 gold medals.
McKeon’s history-making moment came when she won gold in the women’s 50m freestyle. The podium was also quite the sight, McKeon was flanked by fellow Australian swimmers Meg Harris and Shayna Jack who won silver and bronze.
Speaking about the huge win, McKeon, 28, said she was honoured to stand alongside Thorpe, Jones and O’Neill in the history books: “It’s really nice to be mentioned alongside some of those names and I will be part of that history for years to come, hopefully.”
“They’re the ones who inspired me when I was young. I remember watching them on TV and that lit the fire in me to be where I am now. It is special. It makes me reflect on the last eight years since my first Commonwealth Games. I can see how far I’ve come as a person and an athlete.”
McKeon isn’t going to stop there, either—she’s still got more opportunities to take home gold at this year’s Commonwealth Games. She’ll next take part in the 50m butterfly final.
McKeon’s win cements Australia’s firm spot at the top of the leader board. On Sunday, Australia took home another nine gold medals across rugby sevens, swimming, track cycling and gymnastics.
Australia now has 22 gold medals—well in front of England who currently have 11 golds.
Big winners include cyclists Matt Richardson, Georgia Baker, Kristina Clonan, Jess Gallagher and Caitlin Ward who each won gold medals over the weekend. In Gymnastics, Georgia Godwin won her first ever gold in women’s rhythmic.
Meanwhile, the women’s cricket team are also headed into medal territory after beating Barbados to earn a place in the semi-finals against Pakistan.
So much happening, so much glory to come—the Australian team are truly doing us all proud.
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