Kaylee McKeown
Kaylee McKeown Biography
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About Kaylee McKeown
Kaylee Rochelle McKeown OAM is a distinguished Australian swimmer renowned for her dominance in backstroke events. As of 2025, she holds five Olympic gold medals and multiple world records, solidifying her status as one of Australia’s most accomplished Olympians.
🏊♀️ Early Life and Career Beginnings
Hailing from Redcliffe, Queensland, Kaylee joined the Australian Dolphins swim team at just 15, alongside her sister Taylor McKeown. Her international debut came at the 2016 Junior Pan Pacific Championships, where she secured gold in the 200m backstroke and bronze in the 100m backstroke. She gained further recognition at the 2017 World Championships, finishing fourth in the 200m backstroke final.
🥇 Olympic Achievements
Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021)
At the Tokyo Olympics, Kaylee made history by winning three gold medals:
• 100m backstroke
• 200m backstroke
• 4×100m medley relay
She became the first Australian woman to achieve this feat in backstroke events.
Paris 2024
In Paris, McKeown defended her titles in both the 100m and 200m backstroke, setting new Olympic records. She also earned a bronze in the 200m individual medley, bringing her total to four individual Olympic golds—a record for any Australian athlete.
🌍 World Records and Championships
Kaylee holds world records in the long course 50m and 200m backstroke. In 2023, she achieved a historic sweep by winning gold in the 50m, 100m, and 200m backstroke at all three World Cup legs.
🏅 Awards and Recognition
Her accolades include:
• World Aquatics Female Swimmer of the Year (2023)
• Swimming World Female Swimmer of the Year (2020, 2023)
• Australian Institute of Sport Female Athlete of the Year (2023)
• Order of Australia Medal (OAM)
💬 Personal Life
Kaylee’s journey has been marked by personal resilience. She dedicates her performances to her late father, Sholto, who passed away in 2020. Since 2021, she has been in a relationship with fellow Australian swimmer Brendon Smith.