Honorary Doctor of Health Sciences
Citation delivered by Professor G.Q. Max Lu AO at the University of Wollongong on the occasion of the admission of Emma McKeon as a Doctor of Health Sciences (honoris causa) on 17 July 2025
Chancellor, I present to you Emma McKeon.
Emma McKeon stands as Australia's most decorated Olympian. Her relentless dedication and remarkable dominance in competitive swimming have set a new standard for sporting excellence and reshaped Australia's place in world swimming. Through hard work, self-reflection, and resilience, Emma has built an extraordinary career while using her influence to champion the rights and well-being of children and young people. She is an exceptional woman whose achievements inspire generations.
Born and raised in Wollongong, Emma grew up in a family deeply passionate about swimming. She attended Illawarra Grammar School, and her athletic journey began at the University's own UniActive pool. Guided by her father Ron, himself a dual Olympian and respected Wollongong coach, Emma developed the stroke efficiency, discipline, and quiet intensity that would define her career.
Emma's first taste of international success came at the 2010 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, where she captured multiple medals as part of the Australian Dolphins Junior Team – a glimpse of the incredible achievements to come. However, her journey was not without setbacks. After narrowly missing selection for the 2012 London Olympics, Emma made the difficult decision to step back from the sport she loved. This was a pivotal moment of renewal, allowing her a year-long hiatus during which she was able to rekindle her passion and return stronger than ever, claiming six medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Since her triumphant comeback, Emma has competed in three consecutive Olympic Games, amassing a record 14 Olympic medals – more than any Australian athlete in history. Her performance at the Tokyo Games was truly historic, where she claimed seven medals in a single Games. Three years later, just weeks before the Paris Olympics, Emma faced her greatest challenge yet: a shoulder injury so severe she nearly withdrew from competition entirely. Instead, she drew upon her extraordinary resilience and unwavering self-belief to not only compete but excel, winning four additional medals that elevated her to become the seventh-most decorated Olympian of all time and tied her for the most medals ever won by a female swimmer.
Emma's achievements extend far beyond the pool. In 2022, she accepted an appointment as a UNICEF Australia Ambassador to advocate for the protection and promotion of children’s rights. Drawing on her experience as a professional swimmer and her qualifications in public health, she travelled to Bangladesh to visit a number of UNICEF programs such as child protection hubs, learning centres and swim-safe programs, with the aim of helping raise awareness and funds to keep these lifesaving programs going. As the 2024 Young Australian of the Year, Emma used her platform to connect with young people across the country, promoting goal setting and self-belief and encouraging young Australians to chase their dreams. Through her advocacy, Emma demonstrates that true success isn't measured solely by athletic performance, but by the courage to take the plunge into uncomfortable situations, where real growth occurs.
Emma McKeon embodies the values that define not just great athletes, but great Australians: resilience in the face of adversity, dedication to transformation, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Her journey from a young swimmer at UniActive to global icon demonstrates that with passion, perseverance, and purpose, extraordinary impact is possible.
Chancellor, it is a privilege and pleasure to present Emma McKeon AM for admission to the degree of Doctor of Health Sciences, honoris causa.