- Emma McKeon isn’t categorically finished with swimming
- Paris was her last Olympics, still may continue competing
- The 30-year-old plans to travel, then will make her next move
She is Australia’s most decorated medallist at Olympic level – and now swimming superstar Emma McKeon has confirmed she isn’t necessarily retiring from the sport.
While the 30-year-old won’t compete at future Games, she won’t be throwing away her competition goggles just yet.
Three medals in Paris was the perfect way to sign off on the ultimate stage, but living a ‘normal’ life can wait in McKeon’s eyes.
‘It’s just retiring from the Olympics, that’ll be my last Olympics, and I need to take a break and refresh. We’ll just see,’ she said.
‘We [partner Cody Simpson] will do a bit more travelling, probably take a bit more of a holiday in October.
‘I’m trying to work things out, but will take a breather as well.’
After completing her swimming program in Paris, six-time Olympic gold medallist McKeon was informed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) wanted her to represent Oceania during the closing ceremony at the Stade de France.
The Australian rubbed shoulders with Eliud Kipchoge (Africa), Mijain Lopez (Americas), Sun Yingsha (Asia), Teddy Riner (Europe) and Cindy Ngamba (refugee team).
She is Australia’s most decorated medallist at Olympic level – and now swimming superstar Emma McKeon has confirmed she isn’t necessarily retiring from the sport
The 30-year-old – who won three medals in Paris – plans to travel with boyfriend Cody Simpson and will then reassess her future in the pool
Emma McKeon (right) celebrating with her teammates after Australia won the 4x100m freestyle relay at the Paris Olympics
All six athletes stood with IOC president Thomas Bach and Paris 2024 boss Tony Estanguet on stage in a moment McKeon labelled ‘special.’
‘I wasn’t expecting that at all,’ she told 7 News. ‘I found out, I think it was just the day before.
(Australian chef de mission) Anna Meares called me and asked me. That was a huge honour.’
The six athletes also blew out the Olympic flame with French swimming icon Leon Marchand.
Meanwhile, pop star turned Olympic swimming hopeful Cody Simpson shared a heartfelt tribute to McKeon before the A-list couple left Paris.
‘Emma, to have had a seat to watch you compete and complete your Olympic career with such grace and power was a privilege,’ he wrote.
‘You inspire me immensely and it’s an honour to be your man!
‘I’m punching and I know it, so I’m glad you haven’t figured that out yet!’
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