Emma McKeon speaks to the media. GETTY IMAGES

The freestyle and butterfly specialist, who has amassed 13 medals in the Games, confirmed that she would be hanging up her Olympic goggles for good after achieving a hat-trick in Paris. However, at 30 years old, she hasn’t ruled out competing in future events.

If someone mentions the surname McKeon in Australia, they might receive a bow in return. And rightfully so, because the most famous person bearing that name is none other than Australia's most decorated Olympic medalist. The swimming world mourned when her departure from the five-ring stage was confirmed after she exited the Paris pool.

Though swimming fans smiled again when the young swimmer from the southern city of Wollongong revealed that stepping away from the Olympics did not mean a complete retirement. For the legendary McKeon, living a "normal" life outside the loop of professional sports can still wait.

Silver Medalists Kaylee McKeown, Jenna Strauch, Emma McKeon and Mollie O’Callaghan of Team Australia celebrate. GETTY IMAGES
Silver Medalists Kaylee McKeown, Jenna Strauch, Emma McKeon and Mollie O’Callaghan of Team Australia celebrate. GETTY IMAGES

“I’m just stepping back from the Olympics; I need to take a break and refresh myself. We’ll see,” she said in a recent interview to clarify the mystery surrounding her future in swimming. “I’m trying to figure things out, but I’ll also be taking a breather,” the 30-year-old athlete continued.

McKeon was chosen to represent her continent, Oceania, at the closing ceremony in Stade de France, alongside Eliud Kipchoge (Africa), Mijain López (America), Sun Yingsha (Asia), Teddy Riner (Europe), and Cindy Ngamba (Refugee Team). They mingled and celebrated a historic event next to IOC President Thomas Bach and Paris Games Chief Tony Estanguet. The six selected athletes extinguished the Olympic flame alongside McKeon's counterpart, the French sensation Leon Marchand.



Such is the magnitude and legacy McKeon has left in the water that she needs time to process her future in high-performance sports. A decision that will undoubtedly be made better with her partner, Australian celebrity and future Olympic swimmer Cody Simpson: “We’ll travel a bit more, probably take some more vacations in October, and then we’ll see.”

Without a doubt, Simpson is her biggest supporter. The Aussie singer shared a deep and heartwarming tribute to McKeon, “Emma, having had a seat to watch you compete and complete your Olympic career with such grace and power was a privilege,” Simpson, who has more than 11M followers between X and Instagram, wrote on his social networks. “You inspire me enormously, and it is an honor to be your man!”, concluded the 27-year-old Australian.