Australia’s most decorated medallist Emma McKeon sets the record straight on retirement talks after curtain falls on her Olympic career
- Emma McKeon isn’t done with swimming yet
- Paris was her last Olympics, but she can still compete
- The 30-year-old plans to travel and will then make her next move
She is Australia’s most decorated medallist at Olympic level. And now swimming superstar Emma McKeon has confirmed she is not necessarily retiring from the sport.
Although the 30-year-old will not be competing in the Games in the future, she will not be throwing away her competition goggles just yet.
Three medals in Paris was the perfect way to reach the very last podium, but McKeon says living a ‘normal’ life may take some time.
“I’m just retiring from the Olympics, that’s my last Olympics, and I need to take a break and refresh. We’ll see,” she said.
‘We [partner Cody Simpson] will travel a bit more and probably take some more vacation in October.
‘I’m trying to get my act together, but I’m also going to take a breather.’
After completing her swimming program in Paris, six-time Olympic gold medalist McKeon was informed that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) wanted her to represent Oceania at the closing ceremony at the Stade de France.
The Australian was alongside Eliud Kipchoge (Africa), Mijain Lopez (America), Sun Yingsha (Asia), Teddy Riner (Europe) and Cindy Ngamba (refugee team).
She’s Australia’s most decorated medallist at Olympic level – and now swimming superstar Emma McKeon has confirmed she’s not necessarily quitting the sport
The 30-year-old – who won three medals in Paris – plans to travel with her boyfriend Cody Simpson and will then rethink her future in the pool
Emma McKeon (right) celebrates with her teammates Australia’s victory in the 4x100m freestyle relay at the Paris Olympics.
All six athletes stood on the podium alongside IOC President Thomas Bach and Paris 2024 boss Tony Estanguet in a moment McKeon described as “special”.
“I didn’t expect that at all,” she told 7 News. “I didn’t find out until the day before, I think.
(Australian chef de mission) Anna Meares called me and asked me. It was a huge honour.’
The six athletes also lit the Olympic flame, along with French swimming icon Leon Marchand.
Meanwhile, pop star and former Olympic swimming talent Cody Simpson paid a heartfelt tribute to McKeon before the A-list couple left Paris.
“Emma, it was a privilege to sit and watch as you concluded your Olympic career with such grace and strength,” he wrote.
‘You inspire me so much and it’s an honor to be your husband!
“I hit and I know it, so I’m glad you don’t realize it yet!”