Kaylee McKeown Opens Up on Endometriosis and 2028 Olympic Goal

Kaylee McKeown disclosed her endometriosis diagnosis and reaffirmed her target to race at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on 15 July 2026, while balancing family plans with elite training.

What did Kaylee McKeown reveal?

In a candid interview on News Corp’s Stellar podcast, McKeown explained that doctors advised her to freeze her eggs because endometriosis can affect fertility. She said the suggestion clashes with swimming’s strict anti-doping rules, which would bar hormone injections. "I love swimming, but I also want to have kids," she told host Sarrah Le Marquand.

How does the diagnosis affect her competition schedule?

A week earlier, McKeown withdrew from the Commonwealth Games and the Pan Pacs after being diagnosed with glandular fever. She emphasized that the illness, not the endometriosis, forced her out of those meets. Yet she remains optimistic, noting she still has a healthy heart and full limbs. "I’m still healthy," she said, adding that her focus now is recovery for the 2028 Olympics.

Why is the family timeline important for her?

McKeown’s partner, Declan Watson-formerly an AFL player turned lawyer-features prominently in her plans. She highlighted a “little bit of a timeline” for having children, stressing that the window may narrow as she continues to compete at the highest level. The athlete’s desire to marry and start a family sits alongside her ambition to return to the pool by the 2032 Games, a feat achieved by few.

What are the next steps for Kaylee McKeown?

The swimmer intends to focus on health, aiming to peak for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. She plans to monitor her condition with specialists and explore fertility options that comply with anti-doping regulations. While she missed the Commonwealth Games, she hopes to re-enter international competition soon, keeping her Olympic dream alive.