Australia’s greatest ever Olympian has officially ended her swimming career, and Emma Mckeon made the big announcement on Monday.
McKeon, born in 1994, in Wollongong, New South Wales, is Australia’s most decorated Olympian, amassing a total of 14 Olympic medals throughout her career.
Now, after sealing his legacy at the Paris Olympics, he will officially step away from all forms of competitive swimming.
“Today I am officially retiring from competitive swimming,” McKeon wrote on social media.
‘Upon arriving in Paris, I knew it would be my last Olympic Games, and the months since then have given me time to reflect on my journey and think about what I wanted my future in swimming to look like.
‘I’m proud of myself for giving absolutely everything to my swimming career, both physically and mentally.
Australian Olympic superstar Emma McKeon has announced her retirement from swimming
The glamorous swimmer, pictured with partner Cody Simpson, is the most decorated Australian Olympian of all time.
“I wanted to see what I was capable of and I did. Swimming has given me so much. From the dream that was sparked when I was 5 years old to my third Olympic Games, I have so many lessons, experiences, friendships and memories that I am so grateful for. .
‘Along with all the people who supported me, worked hard with me and encouraged me. THANK YOU.
“Now I’m excited to see how I can push myself in other aspects and all the things that life throws at me.”
McKeon made her Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio Games, taking gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay, two bronze medals in the 200m freestyle and 4x200m freestyle relays, and a silver in the 4x100m medley relay.
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, McKeon achieved historic success by winning seven medals: four golds in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay and 4x100m medley relay, along with three bronze medals in the 100 m butterfly, 4×200 m freestyle and mixed relay. 4x100m combined relay.
This performance tied the record for the most medals won by a female athlete in a single Olympic Games.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, McKeon added three more medals to her collection: gold in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay, silver in the women’s 4x100m medley relay, and bronze as a seed swimmer in the 4x100m medley relay. combined.
Her cumulative Olympic achievements include six gold, two silver and six bronze medals, making her the third most decorated swimmer and seventh most decorated athlete in Olympic history.
Mckeon says goodbye to competitive swimming for good after a stellar career in which he achieved everything there was to achieve.
Beyond the Olympics, McKeon has held eight world records in relay events, with three current and five previous records.
He also excelled at the Commonwealth Games, winning 14 gold medals at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 Games.
McKeon and Cody Simpson began dating in April 2022, and met while training for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
They publicly confirmed their relationship in July 2022 during a trip to Barcelona.
In April 2023, the couple bought a $1.8 million home together on the Gold Coast.
They celebrated their second anniversary in April 2024.
In August 2024, fans speculated about a possible engagement after the couple attended the Myer Precious Metals Gala in Melbourne.