Kaylee McKeown named Olympic Program Swimmer of the Year

Kaylee McKeown was honoured for another incredible year in the pool at Brisbane’s Swimming Australia Awards.

Queensland’s swimming sensation Kaylee McKeown, capped off an extraordinary 2024 by taking home the Olympic Program Swimmer of the Year award at the star-studded Swimming Australia Awards.

Kaylee McKeown during the 2024 Swimming Australia Awards in Brisbane. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Held at Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves on Saturday, the event saw over 300 guests — including Australia’s top Olympic and Paralympic athletes — trade their Speedos for glamorous evening wear, marking an afternoon of celebration for an exceptional year in Australian swimming.

Fresh from a historic run at the Paris Olympics, where she became the first Australian to claim four individual Olympic gold medals, McKeown’s latest accolade only adds to her growing legacy.

Reflecting on the rare opportunity to unwind and enjoy the moment, McKeown said, “It’s really nice to come home, settle in, see family and friends, and actually sit with the swimmers and just enjoy our time together without wet, sopping hair.”

“I’ll take any opportunity to get out of my togs and get dressed up, because it doesn’t happen very often. It’s so lovely seeing everyone else dressed up as well.”

The 23-year-old has taken the mantle from her friend and fellow Queenslander, Mollie O’Callaghan, 20, who won the same award last year.

“It’s always an honour to receive these awards, but the most important part is coming together as a swimming team and celebrating all we’ve done,” O’Callaghan said.

The event also celebrated other standout performers, with Paralympic star Tim Hodge awarded Paralympic Program Swimmer of the Year and Moesha Johnson taking home Open Water Program Swimmer of the Year.

Ella Ramsy, Mollie O’Callaghan and Jamie Perkins during the 2024 Swimming Australia Awards in Brisbane. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Swimming Australia CEO Rob Woodhouse praised McKeown, Hodge, and Johnson, stating, “We are incredibly proud of their achievements, not just for their podium finishes but for how they compete and represent the sport”.