Kaylee McKeown

Kaylee McKeown is an extraordinary Australian swimmer who has taken the world by storm with her unparalleled talent and dedication to the sport. A quintuple Olympic gold medallist, she is the reigning champion in both the 100- and 200-meters backstroke. Kaylee has not only captured the hearts of swimming fans but also shattered records, holding the world record for the long course 50-meter and 200-meter backstroke, and having previously held the records for the 100-meter backstroke in both long and short courses.

Kaylee’s journey began at the tender age of 15 when she joined the Australian Dolphins swim team alongside her sister Taylor, who she considers one of her heroes. She quickly made her mark, winning gold in the 200-meter backstroke at the 2016 Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Championships. This early success set the stage for her impressive career, where she has continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the pool.

Her rise to prominence included a remarkable performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she became the first Australian woman to win gold in both the 100 and 200-meter backstroke events. She also contributed to Australia’s victory in the women’s 4x100-meter medley relay, solidifying her status as a key player in Australian swimming history.

Following her Olympic triumphs, Kaylee continued to dominate the swimming scene. In 2023, she achieved the historic feat of sweeping gold in all three backstroke events (50m, 100m, and 200m) at the World Aquatics Championships. This remarkable accomplishment not only highlighted her versatility but also made her the first swimmer to ever achieve the backstroke treble at the championships.

Kaylee’s relentless pursuit of excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious titles of World Aquatics Female Athlete of the Year and Australian Institute of Sport Performance Awards Female Able-Athlete of the Year in 2023. As she approached the 2024 Paris Olympics, Kaylee further established her legacy by becoming the second female swimmer in Olympic history to defend her titles in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke.

With nine Olympic medals to her name by the age of 23, Kaylee McKeown stands shoulder to shoulder with legends like Ian Thorpe and Leisel Jones. Her story is one of perseverance, determination, and unmatched skill, inspiring the next generation of swimmers to reach for greatness. As she continues her journey in the world of competitive swimming, Kaylee McKeown remains a force to be reckoned with, embodying the spirit of a true champion.