'Didn't have it in me': Emma McKeon not alone in 'transition' from gold medals to new horizons
Updated . First published at
Early mornings at the pool are no longer a concern for Emma McKeon as she begins her transition into retirement.
McKeon confirmed prior to the Olympic Games in Paris that the prestigious tournament would be her last but had yet to put a time on when her career would come to an end.
The 30-year-old confirmed she had hung up her goggles for the final time on Monday and has been enjoying the start of the next chapter of her life.
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Since Paris, McKeon has been working as an ambassador for the likes of Dior, Omega and GH Mumm, while also taking time away from the pool to travel.
But the hardships that come with the transition from the pool into retirement are one that McKeon is not going through alone as she is joined by partner Cody Simpson, who is also stepping away from elite sport.
Emma McKeon and Cody Simpson at the G.H.Mumm Marquee on Derby Day. Supplied/G.H.Mumm
Simpson retired from competitive swimming in June after failing to make the Australian swim team and has since returned to pursuing his passion for music.
"It's an exciting adventure to be on together at the same time," McKeon told Nine's Today of the pair's new chapter in retirement.
"It does help that we are both at that stage of transitioning out of elite sport.
"For me, I've been doing this my whole life... but I'm at a point now where I do feel proud, satisfied, happy and I'm excited for what is next."
McKeon revealed the pair will be temporarily moving to Sydney in early 2025 as Simpson performs in Opera Australia's 'Guys and Dolls'.
McKeon revealed she has yet to dive into the water since competing in Paris and has no plans to make a return anytime in the near future.
"I am officially done with swimming," she said.
"I knew I definitely didn't have it in me to do another four years.
"I won't be getting back in the pool and training, I'm not even sure if I will get back in for a leisurely swim anytime soon. It will be a while before I get back in."
McKeon has inspired a generation of young athletes over her career which has seen her claim 14 Olympic medals, six of which were gold.
First representing Australia at the 2010 Youth Olympics is a memory McKeon will likely never forget, but her favourite moment in her career is one she shares with her brother.
"The last few months I've been able to really reflect on my whole career and I come back to making my first Olympics with my brother (David)," McKeon said.
"Experiencing that together was something we had dreamt of since we were little and it's something I will remember forever.
"I knew (Paris) was going to be my last Olympics. I didn't want to think about it too much," she continued.
"Post-Olympics, you've got all the different emotions and the comeback so it is kind of hard to make a decision right away.
"It's been three months, now I feel like I'm ready."