Emma McKeon crowned Queen of Commonwealth Games

Greatest Commonwealth Games athlete of all time Emma McKeon
Greatest Commonwealth Games athlete of all time Emma McKeon

Griffith University alumnus Emma McKeon has entered the history books becoming the most successful Commonwealth Games athlete of all time.

Emma, who studied a Bachelor of Public Health and was part of the Griffith Swim Squad, has capped off a stellar games campaign at Birmingham claiming gold in her final event – the 4x100m Mixed Medley Relay.

Her Commonwealth Games career total now sits at 20 medals, with five gold medals won at Birmingham alone.

Griffith Sports College Director Naomi McCarthy OAM
Griffith Sports College Director Naomi McCarthy OAM

Griffith Sports College Director Naomi McCarthy OAM said Emma’s performance in Birmingham is testament to the fortitude of Griffith swimmers.

“Emma and coach Michael Bohl came to Griffith in 2017, and since then she has been training and studying for her undergraduate degree,” she said.

“These years in the Griffith Swim Squad have been her most successful years in swimming and this is indicative of the 20 Commonwealth Games medals she’s won in total.”

As a dual Olympian and water polo gold medallist at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Ms McCarthy knows the pressures of competing on the world’s stage.

“Birmingham is the result of years of training both physically and mentally while the world remains in the grip of a global pandemic,” she said.

“It’s not easy feat for our contingent of athletes and their hard work should be applauded.”

Emma McKeon’s medal tally at Birmingham:

Gold – Mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay, Women’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay, Women’s 50m Freestyle, Women’s 50m Butterfly, Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay

Silver – Women’s 100m Butterfly

Bronze – 100m Freestyle

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