McKeown withdraws from Comm Games and Pan Pacs

DECORATED Dolphin Kaylee McKeown (pictured) has medically withdrawn from the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the Pan Pacific Championships.

McKeown, who turns 25 on Wednesday, confirmed today that she has struggled with fatigue, loss of breath, and loss of appetite for several months.

In light of this, McKeown has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games and the Pan Pacific Championships in California.

“I am gutted to medically withdraw. What I thought a few months ago was the flu has turned out to be my body fighting glandular fever, ’’ she said.

“I was sick going into Trials and I just have 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 it was the right one.”

Swimming Australia head coach of the Olympic program Rohan Taylor said: “At this point in time, Kaylee’s health is the most important thing.”

“We all know how fierce and competitive she is – and she showed that by performing the way she did at Trials.

“Kaylee is a once in a generation athlete – she is what we call a racer.

“We are going to miss her on team not just in the pool but out of the pool with her experience and leadership but I personally feel, respect and support her decision to prioritise health.

“I know after Trials she significantly modified her training program to the point of no high-intensity work and she just didn’t improve.

“We can’t wait to see her well again and back in the water competing.”

Swimming Australia will now take a 59-strong team to compete at the Games from July 23-August 2 and 43 athletes to Pan Pacs from August 12-15.

2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games Australian Swim Team

*Dolphins debut