Kaylee McKeown, fresh off her impressive performance at the Paris Olympics where she won gold in the 100m and 200m backstroke, along with a silver and two bronzes, has made the decision to withdraw from the World Short Course Championships in Budapest this December. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she explained her need for a break from the relentless physical and mental pressure she’s faced over the past five years. Despite qualifying for the championships, McKeown is choosing to focus on her well-being and recharge.
While stepping back from the December event, McKeown is still set to compete in the upcoming World Cup events, beginning in Shanghai on October 18. Just recently, she broke another world record in the 100m backstroke at the Australian Short Course Championships. For McKeown, these World Cups offer an opportunity to swim without the added weight of high expectations, which she believes is crucial for her mental health.
She reflected on her Olympic achievements, expressing a mix of pride and emotional fatigue. After the highs of the games, including her role as Australia’s flag bearer at the closing ceremony, McKeown has found the post-Olympic period to be emotionally and physically draining. Despite her remarkable success, which includes nine Olympic medals, McKeown admits to feeling lonely and struggling with the lack of immediate goals. Her honesty about these challenges sheds light on the emotional toll elite athletes often face after such intense competiti
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