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Choosing to step away from competition was not easy for Redcliffe swimming star Kaylee McKeown, but the Olympic champion says it was the right decision as she focuses on returning to full health. While illness has kept her out of this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Australia’s Dolphins have begun the campaign strongly with several standout performances on the opening night.
Read: Kaylee McKeown Opens Up About Endometriosis and Future Family Plans
The five-time Olympic gold medallist recently confirmed she has glandular fever after initially believing she was recovering from the flu. McKeown said she had been unwell heading into the Australian selection trials and had not recovered as expected. Concerned that pushing through the illness could lead to chronic fatigue, she decided, with the support of Swimming Australia, to withdraw from both the Commonwealth Games and the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships.
McKeown has embraced her recovery with characteristic good humour, sharing regular updates with supporters. In a recent social media post, she joked that her unexpected break from racing was giving her the chance to become an “elite rester” while documenting her recovery and inviting followers to keep up with her progress on TikTok.
@kaylee.mckeown Anything to feel better
♬ The Southern Darkness (STEM beat) – Sounds of Red Bull / BMGPM
The update came only weeks after McKeown spoke publicly about living with endometriosis and the condition’s impact beyond the pool. She discussed how it has influenced her long-term plans, including her hopes of starting a family in the future.
Dolphins Deliver Statement Performances
Dolphins Deliver Statement Night in Glasgow
Australia’s Dolphins dominated night two at the Commonwealth Games, collecting five gold medals, sweeping a podium, and setting a new Games record.
Night 2 Gold Rush
- Men’s 400m Freestyle: Sam Short led an all-Australian podium sweep, taking gold ahead of Elijah Winnington (silver) and Benjamin Goedemans (bronze).
- Women’s 200m Freestyle: Mollie O’Callaghan claimed gold, while opening-night 400m champion Lani Pallister secured silver.
- Women’s 50m Butterfly: Alex Perkins stormed to her first individual Commonwealth title, adding to her 4x100m relay gold from night one.
- Men’s 100m Breaststroke: In an emotional comeback after relearning to walk following a major knee injury, Sam Williamson powered through the final 50 metres to claim gold.
- Mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay: Flynn Southam, Kyle Chalmers, Shayna Jack, and Meg Harris capped the night in style, setting a new Games record of 3:19.36.
Para-Swimming Highlights
- Men’s S14 200m Freestyle: Jack Ireland upgraded his Birmingham bronze to a silver.
- Women’s S14 200m Freestyle: Madeleine McTernan fought hard to finish fifth.
Finals Bound (Night 3 Qualifiers)
- Men’s 100m Butterfly: Matthew Temple clocked a Games record (50.63s) to lead Ben Armbruster and Harrison Turner into the final.
- Men’s 50m Freestyle: Cameron McEvoy, Jamie Jack, and Flynn Southam all advanced.
- Women’s 100m Breaststroke: Sienna Toohey and Ella Ramsay qualified for the final, while Tara Kinder narrowly missed out in ninth.
Read: Redcliffe-Born McKeown Wins 100m Backstroke Gold at Worlds
The performances gave the Dolphins an encouraging start to the meet and highlighted the depth of Australia’s swimming squad despite McKeown’s absence through illness.
Although McKeown is not competing in Glasgow, her focus remains on regaining full fitness before returning to the international stage. Her decision to prioritise long-term health reflects a focus on returning to competition only when she has fully recovered.
Published 25-July-2026
Updated 27-July-2026
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