- The Australian star won gold in Shanghai this weekend
- But she has now withdrawn from the Swimming World Championships
- It comes after she won two gold medals in Paris
Kaylee McKeown has announced she will withdraw from the World Swimming Championships and take a break from professional swimming to prioritize her mental health.
The series kicked off in Shanghai on Friday and heads to Incheon, South Korea, this weekend before the final meeting begins on October 31.
McKeown, who planned to take a break after the end of the World Cup, announced the news of her decision on Saturday while in Shanghai for the opening meeting.
World Aquatics announced the lucrative prize pools for the Swimming World Cup earlier this year, with athletes able to win as much as $17,988 for finishing in first place at the end of each stop. By finishing in 20th place, the participants will receive $5,996, while the overall winners will receive a whopping $14,9905.
It came before McKeown, 23, won gold in the women’s 50m backstroke in Shanghai this weekend.
“I would like to thank World Aquatics for the opportunity to come and race at World Cups, it was so much fun here in Shanghai,” McKeown wrote on Instagram.
‘Because I put my mental health first, I have decided to shorten my experience.
‘As an athlete it is so important to listen to your heart and know when enough is enough.
‘Time for a well-deserved break.’
Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown has announced she is taking a break from swimming
McKeown took to Instagram to make the announcement, stating that she was taking the break to put her mental health first
McKeown was in Shanghai for the Swimming World Cup and took gold in the women’s 50m backstroke
McKeown added her fourth and fifth gold medals to her winning streak at the Paris Olympics this summer, having previously claimed three gold medals at the 2023 World Championships.
The comments under her Instagram post were filled with messages of support from fellow athletes and governing bodies.
World Athletics wrote: ‘Take some rest and enjoy your time off. See you next year, stronger than ever.’
Mollie O’Callaghan added: ‘Congratulations on a great season! We are all so proud of you. Now it’s time to enjoy a well-deserved rest.’
Fellow gold medalist Shayna Jack added: “Proud of you.”
McKeown had previously said she would withdraw from the 2024 World Short Course Championships in December, revealing that preparation for the Paris Games had taken its toll on her.
“Preparing for the past five years has been a tough assault both physically and mentally,” she said.
McKeown had previously said she would withdraw from the 2024 World Short Course Championships in December
‘I have constantly strived for consistency and greatness in the work I do and sometimes you just need a break. A break from the hype, the media, the adrenaline rush of the competition.
‘Although I am not participating in the WSC, I have committed to World Cups in a few weeks. I look forward to competing freely, without pressure and with little work.”
Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14 (24 hours)
Children’s helpline 1800 55 1800
13YARN 13 92 76
Top Blokes Foundation 1300 450 850
Beyond Blue Support Service 1300 22 4636