This week, the swimming world and Australia as a whole wave goodbye to one of our greatest ever athletes.
Emma McKeon, the golden girl of Australian swimming, has announced her retirement, bringing an end to a career that has left an indelible mark on the sport and the hearts of fans like me.
Before diving into her extraordinary career, I want to personally say thank you, Emma. Thank you for the memories you gave us.
I’ll never forget screaming at my TV during your record-breaking swims and celebrating on my own at home as if I were in the stadium, surrounded by roaring Aussie fans.
You made us proud not just because of your incredible medal haul but because of the grace, determination, and humility with which you achieved it all.
McKeon’s swimming resume is nothing short of extraordinary.
With a staggering 20 Olympic and World Championship medals to her name—including her historic seven-medal haul at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics—Emma stands as the most decorated Australian Olympian of all time.
Her achievements on the world stage brought us collective joy and reminded us of the incredible potential of human perseverance.
But Emma’s legacy isn’t just about numbers. Watching her glide through the water with effortless precision was poetry in motion. She inspired the next generation of swimmers and reminded Australians of our proud swimming heritage.
In every stroke, she carried the weight of a nation’s hopes, and every time she touched the wall, she delivered.
Beyond her sporting prowess, Emma is known for her unassuming personality and grounded nature.
In a world where fame can often overshadow humility, she remained a role model; focusing on her craft and letting her performance do the talking.
Her interviews were always gracious, her demeanour always calm, and her focus unwavering.
As someone who looked forward to watching every Olympic Games (apart from the last one in Paris), I’ve always appreciated how our sport’s champions can unite the country.
Emma did just that. Her victories brought us together, if only for a moment, and reminded us of the resilience that defines us as Australians.
Her retirement marks the end of an era, but what a way to go out.
Emma has nothing left to prove, and while we’ll miss seeing her compete, her contributions to the sport will live on, not just in the record books but in the memories of those who cheered her on.
So, from one fan to a legend: Thank you, Emma McKeon. For the golds, the glory, and the grit. For the way you represented Australia with class and courage.
And for giving us countless moments to celebrate—whether from the stands or, as in my case, from the living room, screaming at a TV like it was the Olympic final itself.