Young Swimmers Inspired by Aussie Olympic Great Emma McKeon

The SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre was buzzing as young swimmers and fans gathered for a breakfast event with Emma McKeon, Australia’s most decorated Olympian and 2024 Young Australian of the Year. Hosted by Channel 9’s Brenton Ragless, the morning was a mix of inspiration, motivation, and community s.

McKeon, who boasts an unmatched 14 Olympic medals across three Games, opened up about her journey—the triumphs, setbacks, and lessons learnt along the way. Her advice to the next generation of athletes - find something you love and work at it every day.

Emma shared how it’s important to...

• Set bold goals
• Believe in yourself
• And finding a community to lift you higher 

The real magic of the morning happened during the Q&A session, where eager young swimmers took the mic. They asked questions and soaked up every word. Her down-to-earth responses and powerful and funny stories captivated the room.

“It’s incredible to see the community come together for events like this, where inspiration and opportunity collide,” said SAALC General Manager Adam Luscombe. “Watching young swimmers hang on every word from a legend like Emma McKeon shows the power of shared experiences and the importance of role models. This morning wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of our amazing partners, and it’s a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together to support and inspire the next generation.”

McKeon’s message wasn’t just about medals—it was about leadership, resilience, and the importance of inspiring others.

Leaders inspire. Success is about more than what’s hanging around your neck—it’s about how you lift others around you. Emma McKeon, Olympian

We were able to make this special event possible by working with the Australia Day Council of SA, Sport SA, the Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport, and the SA Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing to deliver a morning that will stick with these young athletes for years to come.