Max Sherry
Emma McKeon is sporting royalty.
The Aussie has etched her name into the history books by becoming the most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete of all-time.
The swimming sensation has won her 11th gold medal, crossing the line in first place in the women’s 50m freestyle at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Incredibly, McKeon still has four more races to compete in too.
"I don't know what you want me to say. I just get in there and do my best. Take each race one at a time," she told Channel 7 post-race.
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"When I get in I want to win, obviously. Like everyone else in the race.
"It is a fun event for me, the 50. I feel like I am a lot more relaxed this year than last year.
"I think the place that I am in mentally is showing in my performances."
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Fellow Australians Meg Harris clinched silver while Shayna Jack picked up the bronze medal.
Speaking on the pool deck after the historic victory, McKeon opened up about her difficulties in being "proud of herself".
"It is special. It kind of makes me reflect on the last eight years or so since my first Commonwealth Games and I can sort of see how far I’ve come as a person and as an athlete," she said.
"To be honest I kind of find it hard to be proud of myself at times. So that’s something I guess I’ve struggled with along the way. But it’s nice to be here with these girls."
With 11 gold medals round her neck, McKeon now surpasses the legendary Susie O’Neill, Ian Thorpe and Leisel Jones who all have 10 golds to their name.
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“It’s really nice to be mentioned alongside some of those names and I will be part of that history for years to come, hopefully,” McKeon said.
“They’re the ones who inspired me when I was young. I remember watching them on TV and that lit the fire in me to be where I am now.”
What an absolute legend, making the entire nation of Australia proud.
The queen of the Comm Games.