Kaylee McKeown has come up with a surprising update. The 5x Olympic gold medalist had yet another memorable outing in Paris. Taking the gold medal in the 100m and the 200m backstroke, the Australian swimmer further established her legacy after the Tokyo mayhem. Back in the Japanese capital, McKeown won a total of 4 Olympic medals, 3 of which were gold. Emerging as one of the best female swimmers of the modern era, McKeown boasts four World Championship gold medals. 

Thus, for her fans, it was quite expected that she would continue her merry run after the Paris Olympics too. But the 24-strong Australian lineup for the World Short Course Championship came with McKeown missing from the team list. With confusion rising amidst the fans, the latest Instagram update from the champion herself cleared the air around the mystery. It looks like the ‘Iron Lady’ is in dire need of some well-deserved rest. 

Kaylee McKeown taking a break from swimming

Kaylee McKeown will not be taking part in this year’s World Short Course Championships. The event, which is slated to start in December, will feature some of the best star swimmers from all over the world. Spilling the beans on her decision to take time off, McKeown posted a long message on her social media. She wrote, “Today I made the decision to pull out of the 2024 World Short course team, it’s not something I wanted to do but needed to do.” Further explaining her decision, McKeown mentioned that for the last five years, she has been relentless in her pursuit of greatness.

Over the course of time, McKeown never once took a break, and thus, she started feeling mentally and physically exhausted. Add to that all the media hype, photoshoots, and, of course, the immense rush of adrenaline that flooded the Australian icon’s body every time she turned up for a big event. Well, while such statements can be a reason for her fans’ drooping heads, her decision down the line will surely inject the elation back. 

Kaylee McKewon went on to declare that she will certainly be taking part in the upcoming World Cup. In fact, a major reason for McKeown to withdraw from the WSC is to keep herself away from the immense work pressure so that she can turn up fresh for the World Cups. And with a total of 16 gold medals to her name, Kaylee McKeown can very well add the 17th one to her long list of embezzled accolades. Meanwhile, despite a tinge of sadness, her fans took time out to welcome her decision. 

Kaylee McKeown gets overwhelming support from fans

Following her decision to withdraw from the WSC, fans started to express their feelings on social media. Taking to the comment section, McKewon’s fans welcomed the announcement of pulling out while wishing her all the luck for her future. 

Acknowledging her successful swimming career, one fan encouraged Kaylee McKeown to prioritize her well-being. They wrote, “Do what is best for you! You’ll be amazing in whatever decisions you make!!”. Given her absence from the post-Paris Olympics Australian team, fans support her decision, expressing confidence in her continued success, regardless of whether she competes or takes a break.

Sweeping all three golds in the backstroke events in the 2023 World Cups, McKeown got the title of ‘Best Swimmer of the Year’. Her unending winning streak and impeccable talent assure fans to trust her decisions.

Kaylee’s younger sister Taylor McKeown took to the comment section and added that Kaylee McKeown’s absence from the SC World Championships won’t be as disappointing because her sister is making sure that the two enjoy other activities like surfing, diving, and exploring Fraser Island. Taylor, who herself is an Olympian, wrote, “You’ll feel less bad about missing SC world champs when we are surfing, diving and roaming all over Fraser Island.”

Taylor McKeown has herself been a competitive swimmer. She has been a gold medalist in the Commonwealth Games in 200-meter backstroke. Taylor’s list of accolades in swimming also proves the fact the knack for the ripples truly runs in the McKeown bloodline.

Referring to Kaylee McKeown’s surprising absence from Australia’s lineup despite her successful Paris Olympics performance, one fan commented, “Make the most of the break legend. Good decision and hope your well.” 

Fans supported McKeown’s decision to take a break, acknowledging her remarkable achievements and wishing her well during this rest period. Such a decision of the athlete and the fans’ sentiment also highlights the need for recovery after her intense competition schedule.

Kaylee McKeown took the bold decision of prioritizing her personal well-being or other commitments over competing. She was unexpectedly absent from the 24-strong Australian lineup despite her recent success in Paris. Reflecting on the unapologetic courageous step taken by McKeown, one fan wrote, “Good on you! Sometimes you just have to put yourself first and others just need to accept it.”

Often, the importance of self-care is neglected by many. Acknowledging this difficult decision of Kaylee McKeown to step away from the Australian team after her success at the Paris Olympics, one Instagram user commented, “a hard decision to make but a decision that had to sit well with you. Be proud of yourself. Well done.”

Fans have truly flooded the comment section, encouraging McKeown to feel proud of her accomplishments, despite the unexpected setback. They supported and praised the athlete for being able to take up the right decision at the right time. Mental health truly matters, and that’s what her fans have been advocating for. Thus, with a rejuvenated and well-rested Kaylee McKeown coming to the World Cup, her rivals better watch out! A tornado is brewing in the waters of the land down under.