Iconic Wollongong location to be named after Australia’s best performing Olympian Emma McKeon
An iconic Illawarra location is set to be named after the region’s Olympic hero Emma McKeon.
Illawarra Star
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The City of Wollongong has made a grand gesture in honour of golden girl Emma McKeon, who eclipsed the likes of Ian Thorpe, Dawn Fraser and Shane Gould to become Australia’s most decorated Olympian at the Tokyo Games.
The city of Wollongong was brimming with pride after McKeon closed in on her historic 11-medal haul, with calls to honour the 27-year-old by adding her name to a pool, landmark or even a pub.
While many felt naming a pool after her would be the best way to honour her achievements, her parents’ business- McKeon’s Swim School- posed a tricky situation for Wollongong City Council, which on Monday night debated how to honour the country’s top Olympian.
“The McKeons operate a well-established swim school from their own facility and under license at Western Suburbs Pool,” Wollongong City Council papers stated.
“Renaming an aquatic facility may cause ambiguity...”.
Councillors decided on the next best option, however, voting between renaming the iconic North Beach promenade and terraces after her, or attaching McKeon’s name to the Cliff Road viewing platform overlooking the harbour and continental pools.
Councillors unanimously agreed to name the North Beach promenade and terraces- which are currently construction- after the Olympic superstar.
“There can be no question about how proud our city was of Emma’s achievements,” Deputy mayor Tania Brown said.
“Yes she is Australia’s most recognised (Olympic) athlete but I think it was Emma’s unflappable, calm, focused demeanour and her professionalism that truly won the hearts and minds of everyone in this country.
“I think the North Beach promenade and terraces, once completed will be a new and iconic Wollongong location that locals will gather at.”
McKeon’s mum Susie previously told News Corp she couldn’t believe how much the local community had gotten behind her daughter and their family during the Olympic Games.
“We have been overwhelmed with the support, messages, love from Wollongong and the wider community,” she said.
“The best word we keep using at the moment is ‘surreal’ – what just happened?”.
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