"It’s so important to listen to your heart"- Kaylee McKeown opens up on her decision to pull out of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup

Kaylee McKeown has decided to step back from competing at the Aquatics Swimming World Cup, citing the need to prioritize her mental health. The Aquatics Swimming World Cup, which kicked off on October 18, 2024, will conclude on October 20, 2024, in Shanghai, People's Republic of China.

All the events are poised to be held in short-course pools (25 m / 8 ft 0 inch) rather than the Olympic length (50 m / 164 ft 1 in). Shanghai is one of the three stops of the 2024 short-course Swimming World Cup.

Following her impressive victorious streak at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Australian swimmer pulled out from competing in Shanghai. She took to social media to inform fans about her decision, stating the importance of prioritizing her mental health while acknowledging the much-needed break.

"I would like to thank World Aquatics for the opportunity to come out and race at World Cups, it’s been so much fun here in Shanghai. Putting my mental health first I’ve decided to cut my experience short. As an athlete It’s so important to listen to your heart and to know when enough is enough."

She added:

"Time for a well overdue break. Peace and love to you all ✌🏽❤️"

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Kaylee McKeown enjoyed a heroic winning streak at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Kaylee McKeown of Australia reacts during the Women's 200m Backstroke Semifinals of the Swimming on Paris La Defense Arena during the 2024 Olympics Games in Paris, France. (Photo by Getty Images)

Kaylee McKeown wrote an epic success saga at the Paris Olympics by securing five medals, including two gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.

She dominated and defended her titles in the backstroke events by clinching two gold medals. In the 100m backstroke, the Australian swimmer registered an Olympic record by clocking a stunning time of 57.33 seconds to defeat the American duo of Regan Smith and Katharine Berkoff, who posted 57.66 and 57.98 seconds.

The 23-year-old also registered an Olympic record in the 200m backstroke by listing a time of 2:03.73. McKeown was followed by Smith and Masse Kylie, with times of 2:04.26 and 2:05.57, respectively. Moreover, McKeown collected a bronze medal in the 200m individual medley after following Summer McIntosh and Kate Douglass to post 2:08.08.

Kaylee McKeown swam the first lap of the 4x100m mixed medley relay, clocking 57.90 seconds to give her team a decent lead for medal contention. The Queensland-based swimmer also contributed to her team's efforts to bag a silver medal in the women's 4x100m medley event.