'Couldn't think of anyone better': Ian Thorpe's classy reply after Emma McKeon breaks Olympic gold record

Ian Thorpe has given a classy response after Emma McKeon surpassed him to become the most successful Australian Olympian ever.

McKeon won gold on Sunday morning (AEST) as a part of the all-conquering women's 4x100m freestyle relay team.

It was her sixth Olympic gold at her third Games, surpassing the five Thorpe won in only the two appearances in Sydney and Athens.

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Speaking on Nine's coverage after the race, Thorpe said he believed she'd already taken over the mantle in Tokyo.

"That was how I felt - we were equal on gold and she had one more silver or something like that," he said.

"So I counted it the normal way so I thought she was already there."

But with this gold, she is ahead in every metric.

"I couldn't think of anyone better to have that title," he said.

Given the depth of the Australian squad, and the emergence of superstars like Mollie O'Callaghan and Ariarne Titmus who each already have three gold each, he believes it's only a matter of time before McKeon is surpassed.

"It may be a title only for now ... there's some young swimmers that are swimming exceptionally well on our swim team."

Speaking after the race, McKeon said she didn't realise she'd achieved the feat.

"Wow. I don't keep track of that kind of stuff ... it's an honour really," she told fellow Aussie swimming great Giaan Rooney for Nine.

"To be part of this (4x100m relay team), it's extremely hard and this is a team of six with Bronte (Campbell) and Liv (Olivia Wunsch, heat swimmers) - we couldn't do it without this group of six.

"Everyone wants to be part of this team. I feel really honoured to be part of it.

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"It's definitely been a rough couple of years, especially this year. I definitely had my doubts. I just really wanted to be part of this team tonight."

Speaking alongside Thorpe, Rooney said McKeon's reaction epitomized the person Emma McKeon is.

"Humble as well. Emma was extraordinary in the relay after I spoke to her," she said.

"She was saying I don't take stock of those milestones (and) that is not a factor I know. That is what we have come to love about Emma - she doesn't look at records or the big milestones.

"For her, it's about swimming the best she can every single time she gets in the water."

McKeon was clearly emotional during the medal ceremony. She announced in April Paris would be her final Olympics appearance.

Rooney said it might have been the moment the reality of that decision began to sink in.

"She was almost taking it all in, knowing this is her last Olympics, the last time we will see her in the pool," she said.

"It really felt like it sunk in for the first time. It was magical to watch."