Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown has withdrawn from the 2024 World Short Course Championship, citing mental and physical exhaustion. She announced her decision on Instagram and plans to participate in the upcoming World Cup series in Asia. McKeown recently set records at the Australian SC Championships and will be succeeded by rising star Iona Anderson in the championship.

In a significant decision, Australian swimming sensation Kaylee McKeown has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming 2024 World Short Course Championship. This announcement was made public following the selection of the Australian Dolphins team, which comprises 24 athletes. McKeown shared her thoughts on Instagram, stating, “Today I made the decision to pull out of the 2024 World Short Course team. It’s not something I wanted to but needed to do,” reflecting on her need for a break from competitive swimming. Over the past five years, McKeown has consistently trained to achieve remarkable performances and has set multiple world records. However, she now acknowledges that the relentless pace of competitions has taken a toll on her both mentally and physically. With this in mind, she has opted for a temporary hiatus from the competitive scene and exposure to media scrutiny. Despite her withdrawal from the World Short Course Championship, McKeown confirmed her participation in the forthcoming 2024 World Cup series, which is scheduled to occur in Asia between October 18 and November 2. She expressed her intention to compete with renewed vigor and significantly less pressure during this event. The World Cup venues will be as follows: – Shanghai, China: October 18-20 – Incheon, South Korea: October 24-26 – Singapore: October 31-November 2 This break comes on the heels of McKeown’s outstanding performance at the Australian Short Course Championship, where she notably broke the 100-meter short course backstroke world record with a time of 54.56 seconds and established a new national record in the 50-meter backstroke with a time of 25.40 seconds. In McKeown’s absence at the World Short Course Championship, the Australian team will likely rely on rising star Iona Anderson to deliver strong performances. At the recent Championships, Anderson secured a second-place finish in the 100-meter backstroke with a personal best of 55.79 seconds. Additionally, through her impressive showing in the 200-meter event, she clocked in at 2:01.80, a time that ranks as the sixth fastest by an Australian in that discipline. Anderson’s recent achievements include winning both silver and bronze medals in the 4×100-meter medley and mixed medley events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, respectively, as well as earning a silver medal behind Claire Cruzan of the United States in the 100-meter backstroke at the 2024 World Swimming Championships (LC).

Kaylee McKeown is a renowned Australian swimmer who has made significant impacts on the international swimming scene, particularly in backstroke events. Over the years, she has achieved multiple accolades, including setting world records and winning medals in various championships, including the Olympics. McKeown’s recent decision to take a break highlights the increasing importance of mental health and well-being in sports, especially for elite athletes who face immense pressure. Her competitors, such as Iona Anderson, are emerging as strong contenders for the Australian team, reflecting a bright future for the sport in the country.

In summary, Kaylee McKeown’s announcement to withdraw from the 2024 World Short Course Championship marks a notable moment in her career as she prioritizes her mental and physical health. While her absence may impact the team during the championship, it opens the door for emerging talents like Iona Anderson to step forward and showcase their capabilities. Meanwhile, McKeown remains committed to participating in the upcoming World Cup series, aiming to compete with less pressure.

Original Source: www.forbes.com

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