Swimmer Kaylee McKeown opens up about missing the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, her late father, life beyond the pool, and  Los Angeles 2028.

Just days before the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Kaylee McKeown was forced to make one of the toughest decisions of her career.

After being diagnosed with glandular fever, the five-time Olympic gold medallist withdrew from what was set to be her final Commonwealth Games.

In her first interview since the announcement, Kaylee opens up about the heartbreak of missing Glasgow, the overwhelming support from Australians, and why she's already looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

She also reflects on the loss of her father, Sholto, the happiness she's found beyond the pool with her partner, and the life lessons that have taught her to stop and smell the roses.

Watch the full episode with Kaylee McKeown here.

Something To Talk About is a podcast by Stellar, hosted by Sarrah Le Marquand. 

Find more from Stellar via Instagram @stellar, TikTok @stellar_aus, or stellarmag.com.au.

Just days before the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Kaylee McKeown was forced to make one of the toughest decisions of her career.
After being diagnosed with glandular fever, the five-time Olympic gold medallist withdrew from what was set to be her final Commonwealth Games.
In her first interview since the announcement, Kaylee opens up about the heartbreak of missing Glasgow, the overwhelming support from Australians, and why she's already looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
She also reflects on the loss of her father, Sholto, the happiness she's found beyond the pool with her partner, and the life lessons that have taught her to stop and smell the roses.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@stellar_aus">Watch the full episode with Kaylee McKeown here.</a>
Something To Talk About is a podcast by Stellar, hosted by<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sarrahlemarquand/?hl=en"> Sarrah Le Marquand</a>.&nbsp;
Find more from Stellar via Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/stellar/"> @stellar</a>, TikTok<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@stellar_aus"> @stellar_aus</a>, or <a href="http://stellarmag.com.au/">stellarmag.com.au</a>.

When Australia's celebrities are ready to talk, they come to Something To Talk About. A new episode of the Stellar podcast is available every Sunday.

When Australia's celebrities are ready to talk, they come to Something To Talk About. A new episode of the Stellar podcast is available every Sunday.

Something To Talk About

Kaylee McKeown’s first interview since pulling out of the Commonwealth Games

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/928ab3da-e350-494a-b379-b489001066b6/transcript