Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown cites endometriosis, doubts 2032 Brisbane Olympic return

Kaylee McKeown, a 25‑year‑old Australian backstroker with three Olympic gold medals and multiple world records, disclosed on Stellar magazine’s “Something To Talk About” podcast that she suffers from endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting fertility. She explained that the disease forces her to consider egg‑freezing, but anti‑doping rules prevent hormone treatments, prompting her to prioritize a life outside the pool and to take a break after the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

McKeown has withdrawn from the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the upcoming Pan Pacific Championships, and she said she may or may not be able to compete at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, depending on how her health and family plans develop.