Aussie swimming great McKeown weighing up Olympic future

Five-time Olympic gold medalist Kaylee McKeown is contemplating a potential extension of her swimming career to include the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. The Australian backstroke star has yet to finalize her competitive plans beyond the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

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You never know when it's going to be your last. The last Commonwealth [Games] could have been my last.

McKeown, who holds world records in the 50m and 200m backstroke, has spoken openly about the mental challenges following her successful campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She became the first swimmer to successfully defend both the 100m and 200m backstroke titles at the same Games and the first Australian to win four individual Olympic gold medals.

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After LA, I'm going to take some time off and probably think about what I want to do.

Looking ahead, McKeown will compete at the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games, aiming to defend her 100m and 200m backstroke titles. She acknowledged the possibility of future competitions, stating, "You never know when it's going to be your last. The last Commonwealth [Games] could have been my last."

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I'm not putting something out of the question at all. I just need the time off.

The prospect of competing in the 2032 Olympics on home soil in Brisbane is a significant motivator. McKeown, born in 2001, missed the 2000 Sydney Olympics but has heard stories of the home crowd support. "I would love to be able to represent my country on home soil," she said, comparing it to her positive experience at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

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I've been doing this for a very long time now. Well, it feels like a long time. I just need the mental refresh.