Emma McKeon, 14-time Olympic medalist, retires from swimming

SYDNEY (AP) — Emma McKeon, Australia’s most decorated Olympian, announced her retirement from competitive swimming on Monday.

McKeon holds the Australian record of 14 Olympic medals – including six gold – won in three Summer Olympics, while her haul of seven medals at Tokyo 2020 is the most ever won by a swimmer at a single Games and equal highest for any female athlete in any sport at a single Olympic Games.

McKeon, 30, had previously hinted that the 2024 Paris Games – where she won gold in the 4 x 100m freestyle relay – would be her last Olympics, but had not said whether she would continue to swim competitively.

“I am proud of myself for giving absolutely everything to my swimming career, both physically and mentally. I wanted to see what I could do, and I did,” McKeon said on social media.

“Swimming has given me so much. From the dream that was ignited at age 5 to my third Olympics, I have so many lessons, experiences, friendships and memories that I am so grateful for.

McKeon’s 14 medals have come from the Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games, with six Olympic golds, three silvers and five bronzes.

She is just behind Katie Ledecky in terms of Olympic gold medals in swimming. The American has won nine in four Olympic Games out of her total of 14.

“Emma has added her own incredible chapter to Australia’s history at the Olympic Games,” Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman said in a written statement. “Emma is an extraordinary athlete who has carved out a special place for herself in the Australian sporting landscape, particularly through her success at the Olympic Games.

“His performances in Tokyo were particularly breathtaking. Emma is recognized not only in Australia, but around the world, as one of the greatest Olympians of all time.”

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AP Olympic Games: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games