Australian swimming star Kaylee McKeown has made a heartbreaking last-minute decision to medically withdraw from the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The five-time Olympic gold medallist has been diagnosed with glandular fever, forcing her to also miss the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships.
McKeown's Statement on Her Health
“I am gutted to medically withdraw. What I thought a few months ago was flu has turned out to be my body fighting glandular fever,” McKeown said. “I was sick going into trials and I have just not got better and I am worried about pushing myself so hard that I end up with chronic fatigue. It was a hard decision to make but the right one.”
Support from Australian Team Officials
Australia’s chef de mission Petria Thomas expressed support for McKeown, wishing her a full recovery ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. “Kaylee is an outstanding swimmer and fierce competitor and to see her forced to withdraw for medical reasons is an unfortunate outcome for both her and the Australian Commonwealth Games team,” Thomas said. “We wish her a speedy recovery and know that she will bounce back to her best ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.”
Details of the Commonwealth Games
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, and will be broadcast live and free on Seven and 7plus. McKeown's absence is a significant blow to the Australian team, but her decision prioritizes long-term health over short-term competition.
