Olympic gold medalist Emma McKeon receives a major honor after announcing her retirement from swimming

Olympic gold medalist Emma McKeon was recently honored with a major accolade following her announcement of retirement from swimming. McKeon's illustrious career includes 14 Olympic and 20 World Championships (long course) medals.

On November 25, 2024, McKeon announced her retirement from the sport. At the recently held Paris Olympics, McKeon secured three medals in the relays, including gold, silver, and bronze in the 4x100m freestyle, 4x100m medley, and 4x100m mixed medley events, respectively.

Following this glorious feat and her swimming journey's conclusion, the most decorated Australian Olympian of all time was bestowed with GQ’s Sportsperson of the Year award in 2024.

Her beau Cody Simpson presented with the award the swimmer, whom she started dating in April 2022. While the Australian singer and former swimmer donned a classic black suit with a bow tie and trendy brooch, McKeon opted for a glamorous grey dress with flowing stripes. She completed the look with a black watch and a pair of black chic heels.

Expressing her gratitude for the honor, she shared a few pictures from the evening and wrote:

"Thank you @gqaustralia for an incredible night ✨ Honoured to be named Sportsperson of the Year."

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Emma McKeon pens an inspiring message as she bids adieu to the sport

Emma McKeon during the 2024 Australian Swimming Trials at Brisbane Aquatic Centre in Australia. (Photo by Getty Images)

Emma McKeon's first major competition was in 2010 at the Summer Youth Olympic Games, held in Singapore.

She competed in her first Olympics at the 2016 Rio Games. After making an appearance at the Games thrice, she drafted a heartfelt message on her retirement, stating she was aware of her Paris Games appearance to be the last one in the competitive circuit.

She conveyed her pride in having fully committed to their swimming journey, both in terms of physical and mental dedication.

"Today I am officially retiring from competitive swimming," she wrote. "Leading into Paris, I knew it would be my last Olympics, and the months since have given me time to reflect on my journey, and think about what I wanted my future to look like in swimming."

She added:

"I am proud of myself for giving my swimming career absolutely everything, both physically and mentally. I wanted to see what I was capable of - and I did."

She holds the current world record in the 4x100m freestyle event, which she posted during the 2023 World Aquatic Championships.