Olympic champion Emma McKeon says that post-Olympic blues are 'a real thing'

Emma McKeon is a gun in the pool, and has this year reached new heights after an impressive campaign at Paris 2024 saw her become the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Since then, the six-time gold medallist has taken a well-deserved break from the pool, lapping up some travel and time with family.

But McKeon admits she's experienced post-Olympic blues, something she confirms is a "real thing" among the sporting community.

"Yeah, it is a real thing," she revealed in a conversation with Today's Sarah Abo this morning.

Watch the video above.

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"I think because you've trained so long and so hard for such a long period of time, and then you've always had your eyes on this one thing and then that does come to an end and whether you did well or not, it is a bit of a comedown."

McKeon says this phenomenon is something she's experienced in the months since Paris, but credits her support network for helping her through it.

"But I had my family all around me and I feel like I got back to reality pretty quickly and was able to relax pretty quick."

McKeon has declared Paris was her last Olympic Games. She made her Olympic debut at Rio 2016 and then returned for Tokyo 2020, which saw athletes navigate the competition amid COVID-19 restrictions.

She says being able to celebrate again with friends and family at the Olympics in Paris felt "special".

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"My most recent memory would have been Tokyo and, I mean, that was a whole different experience to anything we've experienced in sport," McKeon noted.

"So yeah ... I was able to celebrate more after these ones, and obviously have my family and friends all there in the stands and be able to celebrate with them, which was the most special thing to me."

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After Paris, McKeon spent some time travelling with family and her partner Cody Simpson and says it was a welcome reprieve. And despite feeling some post-holiday blues, she's excited for her next venture.

"I'm definitely feeling rested and refreshed. Kind of have that post-holiday come-down at the moment, but I'm excited to be here and get to Derby Day on Saturday."

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McKeon is working as G.H. Mumm's official ambassador for the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Much as it is about the racing, the Melbourne Cup is also all about the fashion. McKeon says she's got all her looks for the week of racing sorted but she can't say the same for Simpson.

"Well, I know what I'm wearing. I'm not sure what Cody's wearing. I'm not sure if he's organised," McKeon laughed.

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