- Emma McKeon completed her last individual race at the Olympics
- The Australian swimmer placed sixth in the 100m butterfly final
- McKeon will participate in medley relay events in Paris
Emma McKeon wrapped up her Olympic individual career by finishing sixth in the 100m butterfly final in Paris, becoming emotional as she reflected on her last race at the Games.
The seasoned Australian swimmer, recently celebrating a victory in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay on Saturday, faced a tough competition at the Paris Aquatics Centre on Sunday in hopes of elevating her medal count.
Ultimately, McKeon placed sixth with a time of 56.93 seconds, while USA’s Torri Huske surprised her world-record holding teammate Gretchen Walsh to clinch the gold.
McKeon is set to retire after these Olympic Games but will participate in upcoming medley relay events.
As she was interviewed poolside by fellow Aussie and six-time Paralympic gold medalist Ellie Cole following the butterfly race, she struggled to hold back tears.
‘I tried not to think about it too much beforehand… Just emotional,’ McKeon expressed through her tears.
‘I definitely hoped for a better outcome, but I know I have a lot to be proud of, and it’s always going to be emotional to finish something that has brought me so much joy, amazing relationships, and valuable life lessons.’
McKeon was very emotional after coming sixth in her last individual Olympic event on Monday morning, AEST (pictured)
Australia’s most successful Olympian has been supported by her pop star boyfriend Cody Simpson in Paris (pictured together)
‘I have so many incredible memories of swimming… I feel privileged to be here… this is my fifth time here already and it’s only day two. I feel so lucky.’
The swimming legend mentioned she hasn’t had sufficient time to truly reflect on her career but stated, ‘As athletes, we are always looking toward the next goal, and I have always focused on how to improve continuously, year after year, day after day.’
‘I look forward to the moment when I can really look back on it all. I have fantastic support around me already from those who’ve experienced similar, like my brother, who finished swimming three or four years ago.’
‘I’ve got a great support system.’
Although competing in Paris, her boyfriend Cody Simpson is not. The former pop star left swimming to chase his Olympic dream but wasn’t able to qualify for the Games.
The 27-year-old praised McKeon following her relay gold medal win.
‘We all feel so proud of her,’ Simpson remarked on Nine.
McKeon added yet another Olympic gold medal to her trophy cabinet with victory in the women’s 4x100m freestyle final on Sunday morning (pictured second from right)
‘She’ll stay humble about it. She’ll never say it herself, but what she’s accomplished is quite special.’
‘It’s incredible. She had a phenomenal swim this morning—she truly wanted to be in that final and stand on that podium.’
‘I’m so proud of what she’s achieved.’
With her victory on Saturday, McKeon surpassed Ian Thorpe’s previous record of five Olympic gold medals, bringing her total to six.
‘It’s amazing,’ Thorpe noted during commentary.
‘It couldn’t happen to a better person.’
‘She is the most successful swimmer and Olympian in our country.’
‘She deserves to be celebrated for who she is and for everything she has brought to the sport.’
