Australian champion Kaylee McKeown pulls out of Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championships

Five‑time Olympic gold‑medal backstroker Kaylee McKeown has withdrawn from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California, after being diagnosed with glandular fever (mononucleosis). In a statement to Swimming Australia she said, “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.” McKeown, 24, cited prolonged fatigue, shortness of breath and loss of appetite, and warned she could risk chronic fatigue if she pushed herself.

The Australian team will miss a dominant contender in the 100‑ and 200‑metre backstroke events, opening the field for rivals such as Regan Smith (USA) and Katharine Berkoff. Coaches and officials, including chef de mission Petria Thomas, expressed support and emphasized McKeown’s focus on recovery ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The withdrawals affect Australia’s medal prospects at both competitions while highlighting health challenges athletes face.

McKeown’s absence underscores the uncertainty surrounding elite swimmer health ahead of major international meets and may reshape the backstroke podium line‑up at the forthcoming events.