Kaylee McKeown made a splash in the Olympic pool at the París La Défense Arena. The 23-year-old clinched 2 golds, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals in the French capital. Her incredible stint helped solidify the Olympian as a titan in the swimming world. Not only did she shatter a 12-year-old record with 2:03:73 in the 200m backstroke event, but she also became the first to triumphantly defend her 100m and 200m backstroke titles in the history of the Games. 

It’s safe to say that the Olympian had quite a historic run in the French capital. In fact, she now has a total of nine Olympic medals in just two Summer Games berths. However, the swimmer made a shocking revelation on an October 9 episode of the Unfiltered Waters Podcast with Katie Hoff and Missy Franklin. McKeown was asked what’s next after a successful stint in Paris. The Olympian revealed, “Last Olympics, I said to myself that this was going to be my last Olympics.” Does this leave her decision about the 2028 Los Angeles Games up in the air? 

Kaylee McKeown confessed, “I’m really trying to focus on just relaxing myself and being okay in the present moment, and not thinking about 2028, thinking about how am I going to continue this longevity in the sport for another four years.” Despite an incredibly stellar stint, the Olympian has been struggling with one of her biggest challenges yet—self-doubt. She once stated that if she moved on to the next thing, she wouldn’t be able to appreciate what she’s achieved or work on building her confidence. 

But even though she’s not sure about the future, the swimmer is certain about one thing. “Now I’m sitting here, I’m like I want more, you know? I’m still enjoying it, I’m still happy, and I love swimming still. So, why wouldn’t I keep doing it?” Shortly after Paris, she shocked fans by contesting in the Australian Short Course Championships held outside Adelaide. Her stellar time of 54.56 seconds set a new short course world record in the 100m backstroke. 

Kaylee McKeown wasn’t even going to contest at the championships. However, she changed her mind at the very last minute. In a post-race interview, the 23-year-old opened up about her experience. “It’s been great…the Olympics has been a huge whirlwind…and something I never thought I would be able to achieve,” she confessed. While it has been an incredible stint, the swimmer also talks about the other side of the coin. Achieving that kind of high can be invigorating. But coming down from it has been a challenge. 

How did Kaylee McKeown navigate her Olympic berth in Paris?

The swimmer had always had a difficult time dealing with the pressure of the world record-holder title. Leading up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she dove into training and worked on herself to become a better athlete. On the other hand, she dominated the pool in the French capital, successfully defending her titles. But as effortless as she made it seem, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Olympian.

With the 2024 Paris Olympics inching closer, many didn’t realize how intense the pressure was for Kaylee McKeown. While she struggled to pull herself together, her mother’s profound words helped get her by. “Live in the moment, cherish the glory,” she would say. Even if she didn’t podium, these words would have comforted her. But she was determined to snag shiny hardware for herself, and it wasn’t going to be an easy task. 

Undeterred as ever, the 23-year-old slowly found her confidence as the games went by. She snagged 2 titles and 3 additional medals at the París La Défense Arena. Even though she felt the weight of the world watching her, that pressure eventually turned into joy and confidence in achieving whatever she put her heart to.

However, as soon as she returned to Australia, the swimmer had another battle to fight—getting used to being able to relax after being in such a high-pressure environment. The Olympian stated, “Riding the wave of success and enjoyment has come down at some point! Since coming home, I’ve felt very empty and lonely.” The experience of being at the Olympic Games is surely nothing short of thrilling. But could this be why she once thought Paris would be her last?