"Reality check" - Kaylee McKeown on feeling "very empty" and "lonely" after Paris Olympics exploits

By Abhiruchi Rout

Modified Sep 11, 2024 09:29 GMT

Australian competitive swimmer Kaylee McKeown recently opened up on life, after her remarkable performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 23-year-old was the second most successful athlete for Australia in terms of number of medals, tied with Mollie O'Callaghan but the latter won one more gold than McKeown.

McKeown won five medals at the quadrennial games, including defending her gold medals in the 100m backstroke and 200m backstroke, and a bronze in the 200m individual medley events. She also contributed to the country’s silver-medal win in the women’s 4x100m medley and bronze in the 4x100m mixed medley event.

With this, Kaylee McKeown has now brought her Olympic medal collection to nine, having previously won three golds in the 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke, and women’s 4x100m medley, and a bronze in the 4x100m mixed medley at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

However, following the Paris Olympics, McKeown has been away from the high-pressure conditions and is back home. Without a training schedule currently, she has been feeling lonely and empty. During an ‘Ask me a question’ interaction via Instagram story, she said:

“It's been extremely hard coming from such a high pressure environment, I did more than I thought I could ever achieve in Paris. Riding the wave of success and enjoyment has a come down at some point! Since coming home I've felt very empty and lonely. I'm such a routine oriented person so to now be home and have no current goals, no training schedule- it's been a reality check”

Screenshot of McKeown's Instagram story.

It is worth noting that McKeown was chosen as Australia’s flag bearer for the closing ceremony, for her exemplary show at the Paris Olympics, along with two-time Olympic gold medalist sailor Matthew Wearn.

Kaylee McKeown reveals her favorite moment from Paris Olympics 2024

Kaylee McKeown at the 2024 Paris Olympics. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Screenshot of McKeown's Instagram story.

After an impressive campaign in Paris, Kaylee McKeown revealed her favorite moment from the Summer Olympic Games. Replying to another question on her Instagram story, which enquired about her favorite moment from the Paris Olympics, McKeown said:

“Racing can become extremely draining emotionally and physically! I was absolutely in awe of my performances but more in awe of the Australian Team. If I had one highlight this moment, It was pure joy and relief”

Screenshot of McKeown's Instagram story.

Swimming emerged as the most successful sport for Australia at the Paris Olympics, with athletes winning the highest number of medals compared to all other sports. The nation won 19 medals in Swimming, returning home with seven gold, nine silver, and three bronze medals.

In Swimming's overall medal table, Australia finished only second to the United States as the USA bagged the top position with 28 medals, including eight gold, 13 silver, and seven bronze medals.