Australian swimming backstroke champion Kaylee McKeown withdraws from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow due to glandular fever. Multiple outlets report that the illness is diagnosed shortly before the Games and prevents her from competing. In addition to missing the Commonwealth Games, McKeown is also set to miss the Pan Pacific Championships scheduled for the month following Glasgow.
BBC Sport and other reports describe her as pulling out of the Games after developing glandular fever. ABC Australia adds detail on how the condition affects her day-to-day, including shortness of breath and reduced appetite. Yahoo Sports and other sources quote McKeown expressing that she is medically withdrawing and describes herself as “gutted,” reflecting disappointment at being unable to defend Commonwealth Games titles.
The reports collectively position the withdrawal as a significant blow to Australia’s swimming team ahead of the Games, which is due to begin in mid-2026. McKeown’s absence also affects her planned participation in subsequent high-level competition shortly after the Commonwealth Games.
