Emma McKeon
Emma McKeon was awarded the 2024 Young Australian of the Year and is the most successful Australian Olympian of all time – a title she claimed before her 28th birthday.
Emma McKeon AM is the most successful Australian Olympian of all time – a title she claimed before her 28th birthday.
She comes from a strong family of Australian swimmers. In fact, her father, uncle, brother and mother have all represented Australia.
Back in 2012, Emma just missed out on being chosen for the London Olympics. She took a break, but rediscovered her passion and went on to make a splash at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, where she claimed six medals from six races.
At the 2020 Summer Olympics, Emma became the first female swimmer and the second woman in history to win seven medals in a single Olympics. She has also broken Commonwealth Games, Olympic and World records.
Emma McKeon has other titles to her name. In 2022 she was made a Member of the Order of Australia, and in 2023 she was named Gold Coast Young Australian of the Year.
- Most Decorated Olympian: Holds the record for the most Olympic medals by an Australian (14 total: 6 gold, 2 silver, 6 bronze).
- Tokyo 2020 Performance: Won 4 gold and 3 bronze medals, becoming the first female swimmer to win seven medals at a single Olympics.
- Commonwealth Games: Holds the record for the most medals by any athlete in Commonwealth Games history (20 total).
- World Championships: Multiple-time World Championship medalist (20 total, including 5 gold)
- Recognition: Named 2024 Young Australian of the Year and 2022 Member of the Order of Australia.
- Education: Awarded an honorary Doctorate of Health Sciences from the University of Wollongong in 2025.
- Specialization: Primarily raced in 50m, 100m, and 200m freestyle and butterfly events.
- Retirement: Announced her retirement from swimming after the 2024 Paris Olympics