Australian Swimmer Reveals She Won Gold Medal With Huge Injury at Tokyo Olympics 2020

When Emma McKeon came back from Tokyo Olympics 2020, she had four gold and three bronze medals in her bag. The fantastic swimmer became the highest medal getter in this year’s Olympics in all sporting competitions. Moreover, her fellow countrymate, Kaylee McKeown, won three gold medals with another bronze, in what was a fantastic display of backstroke swimming.

Before her performance in Tokyo, she set a new world record for the 100-meter backstroke competition in the Australian trails. However, things were not the same in Japan as she revealed about her injury that could have derailed her plans for the Olympic Games.

Kaylee McKeown reveals injury before Tokyo Olympics 2020

The talented Australian spoke about swimming with a muscle injury and was grateful to compete in the competitions. She could not have been Australia’s first backstroke gold medalist due to this problem. Determination is the key as McKeown swam to glory.

“I tore the labrum (muscle) in my left shoulder during the Staging Camp while in the gym and we came to the conclusion that I did it here in Cairns and I put up with the pain with (the help) of anti-inflammatory (tablets). I was in quite a bit of pain, especially the last two days, heading into the 200m backstroke and medley relay but there wasn’t anything I could do to make it any better so there was no point in complaining about it…. it didn’t affect my Olympics at all,” said McKeown.

The labrum supports the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder along with the rotator cuff tendons and muscles. After consulting her doctor back home, she decided not to do surgery while focusing on recovery. She revealed how she rested for four to six weeks while planning to make a slow return to the pool. With ample rest, her career will resume next year.

READ MORE- US Olympic Star Caeleb Dressel Loves Tattoos- What Do They Mean?

McKeown focuses on recovery

The talented swimmer is a backstroke specialist out there and can reach the dominance of Adam Peaty in breaststroke events. Her doctor, Luke Eggleston wants her to focus on her recovery while not swimming for some time. She spoke about how she wanted to focus on her shoulder injury as of right now and recover to come back with a bang. Her expectations are set for early next year and predicted to be competing in the World trails.

With the World Championships and Commonwealth Games amongst the array of options, McKeown is planning meticulously to get back to the pool. With the help of her coaches, she wants to focus on her recovery. Getting back stronger is what she wants to do in the future. McKeown is not done yet!

WATCH THIS STORY- Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, Shaun White, and Other Olympians’ Adorable Dogs