At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Kaylee McKeown became the first woman to ever win back-to-back Olympic titles in both the 100 and 200 backstroke. She also became Australia’s most successful individual medalist with 4 golds. And surprisingly, she’s just as human as the rest of us.
From how she reflects on Paris, you wouldn’t immediately realize her success there. McKeown is a high achiever and constantly pushing herself to great heights, which she admits can sometimes be a downfall and lead to low self-confidence.
The backstroking legend is candid about how she handled herself throughout the meet, even when fatigue set in the later stage of competition and she earned a bronze medal in the 200 IM because of a DQ.
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In the SwimSwam Podcast dive deeper into the sport you love with insider conversations about swimming. Hosted by Coleman Hodges and Gold Medal Mel Stewart, SwimSwam welcomes both the biggest names in swimming that you already know, and rising stars that you need to get to know, as we break down the past, present, and future of aquatic sports.
Music: Otis McDonald
www.otismacmusic.com
Good interview all around until “Certain places that I don’t wanna go to…”
So what’s her problem with a World Cup stop being held in China, because we know she didn’t meant South Korea or Singapore.
What a lovely interview. These two were so generous with each other and a great conversation ensued
Kaylee has moxy.
It’s funny to me that Kaylee stayed thinking for a while and forgot that Kate was in her semifinal hahaha, I’ve never heard her mention Douglas or vice versa. I don’t know what opinion they have of each other and I would like to know.
great interview, kaylee looks so sincere and fun
I’ve never heard her mention Douglas or vice versa. I don’t know what opinion they have of each other and I would like to know.
great interview, kaylee looks so sincere and fun
At first read, I was surprised no other Australian has won 4 individual golds. But thinking about it, that’s a really rare feat. Even swimmers like Thorpe, Biondi, Dressel, Lochte, and Emma McKeon who have lots of medals, didn’t get four individual golds. I think that list is just Phelps, Ledecky, Popov, Egerszegi, Spitz, Otto, and Mckeown. That is rare company.
Marchand ?
also:
Roland Matthes 100/200 Back in ’68 & ’72
Tamas Darnyi 200/400 IM in ’88 & 92
Yana Klochkova 200/400 IM in ’00 & ’04
Kosuke Kitajim 100/200 Breast in ’04 & ’08
I have no idea if this is an exhaustive list or not.
Inge de Bruijn. 2000 (50/100 fr, 100 fly), 2004 (50 fr)
Janet Evans: 1988 (400 fr, 800 fr, 400 IM), 1992 (800 fr)
Good catches. I was only thinking about defended titles for some reason.
She’s awesome. As a fan I too am happy she raced the IM even if she wasn’t where she wanted to be. It’s great getting more of the unfiltered perspectives too. Loved the story about swimming a sub 2:07 in the 200 IM to not have to swim the 400 IM and then still swimming the 400 anyway. The times aren’t relatable because FAST. But the experience is still relatable for us mere mortals.
Great interview.
Sunshine Coast based coaches? Seems keen to go home.
I immediately Googled World Cup hosts after the last part.
I didn’t know but I guessed correctly immediately lol
Kaylee gives great interviews. Hard to believe she struggles with confidence because she seems so sure of herself in her swimming. I love that athletes are being vulnerable and talking about the toll elite sports takes on mental health.