Kaylee McKeown is making waves – literally – as one of Australia’s greatest backstroke swimmers. Fours days into the Paris 2024 Olympics, the swimmer earned herself a gold medal – dedicating the award to her late father. The country has fallen in love with the athlete, and we wanted to learn more about her. Here’s what we have found out.
How old is Kaylee McKeown?
Born on 12 July 2001, Kaylee McKeown is just 23 years old.
Who are Kaylee McKeown’s parents?
A significant source of support throughout her swimming journey, Kaylee’s parents are Sharon and Sholto McKeown. Sadly, Sholto passed away in 2020 after a battle with brain cancer.
“The man who once taught me how to walk, talk and live is no longer a phone call away. Instead, he is now a precious and timeless memory tied closely to my heart,” Kaylee wrote on social media after his passing.
“I’ll never forget how selfless my dad was, he was the greatest dad I could’ve asked for! My biggest cheerleader, my best friend.”
She went on to say that her father “gave (her) so much life”.
“I’d do anything just to be able to speak to him again,” the athlete continued. “Until then I’ll never stop living for the both of us, here’s to you, dad.”
Are Taylor and Kaylee McKeown related?
Yes! Taylor, 29, is Kaylee’s older sister. She is also an accomplished swimmer, specialising in breaststroke.
Taylor has competed at international levels, including the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
The sisters have always been supportive of one another throughout their swimming careers.
During the Paris 2024 Olympics, Taylor joined her mother and two brothers Lachlan and Bailey to cheer on Kaylee.
Taylor told reporters that she was “so nervous, so excited” watching her little sister compete.
“We saw in the last 10 metres she just started to pull ahead. And we were like, ‘she’s done it’. Over the moon,” Taylor enthused.
Meanwhile, Kaylee’s brothers referred to the Olympic champion as “the GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time). If that’s not brotherly support, what is?
Where did Kaylee McKeown train?
Kaylee McKeown trained at the USC Spartans Swim Club on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
The Olympic champion has worked with coach Chris Mooney, who has been instrumental in her development and success as a swimmer.
In a video shared by the Australian Dolphin’s Swim Team in 2019, Chris told Kaylee and fellow swimmer Leah Neale during a training session: “I’m already proud of you.”
“Keep being exceptional, don’t be ordinary,” the coach encouraged.
How many medals does Kaylee McKeown have?
Kaylee’s trophy cabinet is overflowing at this stage.
As well as many medals from the World Championships and Commonwealth Games, the swimmer took home three gold medals in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
During Paris 2024, the 23-year-old made Australia proud when she won gold in the women’s 100m backstroke.
The feat made her the second woman to win consecutive golds for this event. She dedicated the accolade to her late father.
