Olympic swimming champion Kaylee McKeown will not compete in the upcoming Commonwealth Games after being diagnosed with glandular fever. The 24-year-old Australian athlete announced her withdrawal through a personal column.
McKeown first experienced symptoms several months ago, initially believing she had the flu. Over time, she recognized that her condition was more severe, citing a loss of breath, constant fatigue, insomnia, and an inability to eat. She also noted that she would sleep for hours but wake up feeling unrested, and her swimming times had regressed to levels not seen since she was 13.
Despite her struggles, McKeown attempted to continue training and competing, hoping her tenacity would see her through. However, she has now been advised to rest and focus on her recovery. She described her recent routine as "rolling out of bed, swimming and rolling straight back into bed."
"The plan is to give my body all the rest and recovery it needs so I can come back ready and roaring for the next season of racing," McKeown stated. "I’m not exactly sure what that looks like for me just yet - all I know is that the return will be slow, steady and built up in small steps."
McKeown is a highly decorated swimmer, having won four gold medals and one bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Her absence will be a significant loss for the Australian team, known as the Dolphins, at the Glasgow games.
