Australia’s most decorated Olympian has officially retired, with swimming star Emma McKeon calling time on her illustrious career. 

McKeon broke the news via her Instagram account, saying she knew ahead of the Paris Olympic Games that they would be the swansong of her career. 

The Australian icon is not only her country’s top Olympic performer, but also the seventh-most decorated Olympian ever, retiring with a total of 14 Olympic medals across three games. 

Emma McKeon retires as most decorated Australian Olympian

Emma McKeon’s incredible swimming career has come to a close, three months on from her final Olympic Games in Paris. 

“Today I am officially retiring from competitive swimming,” McKeon wrote via Instagram.
 
“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.
 
“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.
 
“Now I am excited to see how I can push myself in other ways, and for all the things that life has in store.”

McKeon hangs up her goggles as her country’s most successful swimming product, dominating internationally across both Olympics and World Championships for well over a decade. 

As well as her gargantuan Olympic medal haul, the Wollongong product also retires as an eight-time World Record holder, with three still current. 

Her pièce de résistance came during the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where she won four Gold and three Bronze medals, taking out the 50m and 100m freestyle.

Not only did this make her the most decorated athlete across all competition in Tokyo, but also tied for the most medals by a woman at any single Olympics.