Australian sportswoman, champion swimmer, and all-round inspirational talent Emma McKeon is retiring.
The news was shared on McKeon’s Instagram, where the gold medallist and three-time Olympic swimmer revealed she was retiring from competitive swimming.
Winner of the 2024 Icon of the Year category at marie claire’s Women of the Year Awards, McKeon is Australia’s most decorated Olympian following her achievements at the Paris Games earlier this year.
While we knew she had retired from her Olympic career – after a record haul of 14 medals – the news of her retirement from a future of competitive swimming came as a surprise.
“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,” McKeon shares.
“I wanted to see what I was capable of – and I did.”
Over McKeon’s illustrious career, she has inspired a whole generation of future champions with her unrivalled commitment and trademark humility – a characteristic that’s won her more than just medals.
Outside of the pool, McKeon was snapped up for ambassadorial roles by the likes of Dior, Omega and Mumm, and continues to be an exemplary role model and pillar of Australian sport.
And now, as she looks to the future, she hopes to share valuable lessons with a new generation. “Great things take time, and the long road there is where all the necessary things are learnt to take us to the next level.”
Signing off her post with a show of gratitude for all the support she’s received over the years, McKeon said: “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.”
And while the news of Emma McKeon retiring brought an unexpected start to the week, we couldn’t be happier for our Icon of the Year.
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