Kaylee McKeown’s Heartfelt Revelation Following Disqualification and Triumphant Appeal: ‘A Truly Dark Moment’

ADELAIDE: Kaylee McKeown made a heartfelt confession as the drama-filled opening day of the Australian swimming trials came to a close on Monday night, sharing that she had found herself in “a really dark place” after the Paris 2024 Olympics.

On Monday night, McKeown secured victory in the women’s 50-metre backstroke final, meeting Swimming Australia’s qualifying time for the upcoming world championships in Singapore.

As the world record holder in the 50m backstroke, McKeown faced a potential setback earlier in the day when she was disqualified after her heat for a false start. Having initially won the heat, she quickly recognised her disqualification and exited the pool area in frustration.

However, she challenged the ruling, and Swimming Australia later stated she had been “distracted by movement just before the signal,” leading to her disqualification being lifted.

In the final at the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, McKeown recorded a time of 27.33 seconds, narrowly edging out fellow Olympic champion Mollie O’Callaghan, who finished in 27.39 seconds. Both swimmers are now qualified for the world championships.

Catch the 2025 Australian swimming trials live and free on Nine and 9Now, happening from June 9-14.

In the media mixed zone after her win, McKeown was asked about the events leading to her disqualification. “It’s quite simple — I got DQ’d, and then I got reinstated,” she said.

When a reporter sought more details regarding her distraction, McKeown replied, “Yep, and that’s really as much as I’m comfortable sharing.” She continued, “Things happen, and it just folded that way. I knew as soon as I started what I had done. Thankfully, with technology, we could review the footage and confirm the distraction, which led to my reinstatement.”

A Wide World of Sports correspondent inquired about her mental state leading up to the heat, prompting the 23-year-old to open up about her challenges following the Paris Olympics. “It’s interesting you bring that up. I’m going to go on a bit of a tangent,” McKeown began.

“After the Olympics, I was in a very dark place mentally. Transitioning from such a high to an immediate low was tough, and I found myself scrambling for direction on what to do next, which made it hard to find my footing again.”

Earlier this year, McKeown announced her decision to leave her Gold Coast training base and return to the Sunshine Coast, where she spent her childhood. Following the Tokyo 2021 Games, renowned coach Michael Bohl departed his position at Griffith University, and British coach Mel Marshall took over, but McKeown’s time with her proved short-lived. She is now back at the University of Sunshine Coast Spartans, training under coach Michael Sage.

“I tried staying on the Gold Coast for about four months before I made the move back to the Sunshine Coast. As I mentioned in my post-race interview [with Nine], I’m really content with where I am now,” McKeown reflected. “I feel happier than I have in years outside the pool, and I believe that in time, this will foster a positive environment for my training, and I’ll work hard.”

McKeown has previously clinched gold in both the 100m and 200m backstroke events at the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympics. The 50m backstroke has also been included in the Olympic programme for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

After her world record in the 100m backstroke was broken by American competitor Regan Smith just one month before the Paris Games, McKeown touched on the pressure these competitions entail. “I don’t think people truly grasp the immense pressure we put on ourselves, even in social contexts,” she said. “Reading comments online and navigating the rivalry with Regan — losing my world record ahead of Paris put a lot of focus on wanting to perform for myself, my country, and my team. It adds so much pressure to execute under 58 seconds in the 100m backstroke. It leaves one on edge.”

“Coming off the Paris experience, it’s about letting loose, enjoying myself, and acknowledging the hard work I’ve put in over the years to achieve what I have,” she added.

McKeown is slated to compete in the 100m and 200m backstroke events, as well as the 50m freestyle, during the remainder of the trials in Adelaide this week.