Australia’s most successful Olympian Emma McKeon is officially hanging up her cap and goggles after announcing her retirement from competitive swimming.
After winning 14 medals across three Olympics and becoming Australia’s most decorated Olympian, the 30-year-old sporting legend officially announced her retirement in an emotional Instagram post on Monday morning.
“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,” McKeon wrote alongside an Instagram video about her journey as a competitive swimmer for Australia. Beware, it’s a high-key tear-jerker.
“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.
“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.”
Back in April, McKeon revealed that Paris 2024 would be her final Olympic Games campaign.
“I think swimming will always be a part of my life and has been for my whole life so far, but this will definitely be my last Olympics, so I’m excited for that,” McKeon told Olympics.com.
The Wollongong swimmer first made an Olympic Games splash at Rio 2016, nabbing gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay event.
However, it was in Tokyo 2020 when the sporting gun made history by winning four gold medals across four events including the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay and 4×100 medley relay.
As a result, McKeon took Ian Thorpe‘s place as Australia’s most decorated Olympian.
In Paris 2024, McKeon won three medals, including a gold in the 4x100m freestyle race.
As someone who is an avid observer of the swimming events at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, it’s truly sad to see such an icon leave the pool, but honestly, McKeon truly deserves all the rest in the world!
Keen to see what’s next for this sporting legend.
Image source: Getty Images
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