Emma McKeon named Young Australian of the Year

Australia’s greatest Olympian, swimmer Emma McKeon, has been announced as the Young Australian of the Year.

At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she became the first female swimmer and the second woman in history to win seven medals in a single games.

Subsequently, she became the most successful competitor in Commonwealth Games history as of Birmingham 2022, with her trophy cabinet totalling 20 medals, including 14 gold, from three Games appearances.

She has also broken Commonwealth Games, Olympic and World records.

This came despite missing out on qualifying for the 2012 London Olympic at age 18. After this, she took a break from aquatic sport, before claiming her first podium finishes at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

All this was achieved by the time she was 27.

Receiving the award on the eve of Australia Day, McKeon said it was a privilege to receive the award and hoped it would inspire children to pursue their sporting dreams.

She stated “I am so humbled and honoured to have received this award, especially when you look at the calibre and achievements of the other nominees.

“I’ve been swimming for as long as I can remember, and I grew up being inspired by incredible athletes, putting a fire in my belly to go after my dreams and do something great with the power of determination and hard work.

“So going from that young girl to today, it’s still crazy to me that I have now done what I have in sport. And I want young kids to know that I was once in the same position they are – dreaming of one day doing something big.

“I want to have an impact on people’s lives by encouraging them to push hard and go after their dreams and what they are passionate about.

“Don’t be afraid to take on hard things and set aspirational goals, that may at time be scary. This is how we push ourselves to achieve our dreams.”

Commonwealth Games Australia President, Ben Houston congratulated McKeon on her achievement, noting “Emma continues to inspire in and out of the pool, and she is a more than worthy winner of Young Australian of the Year.

“At the age of 29, she has won more medals than any other athlete at the Commonwealth Games and with Paris 2024 around the corner we wish her, and the Australian Dolphins, continued success.

“Emma is an Australian sporting icon, and a great example of what comes from embracing sport and pursuing excellence alongside family, friends and teammates.”

McKeon has a strong swimming pedigree. Her father, Ron McKeon, collected four gold medals from two Commonwealth Games appearances at Edmonton 1978 and Brisbane 1982, while her older brother David McKeon won gold at Glasgow 2014. Her mother Susie Woodhouse swam at Brisbane 1982.

Image: Emma McKeon at Griffith University (top, credit: Griffith University), launching Speedo apparel for the ??? Games (middle) and with her brother David and father Ron (below, creditt: SCTA)