YOG: Six time Commonwealth Games medallist, Emma McKeon, talks about her Youth Olympic Games (YOG) experience in 2010 and the impact it has had on her swimming career.

How did competing at the 2010 YOG, a multi-sport event, assist you to prepare for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow?

"When I was competing in the Youth Olympic Games, I hoped to one day make an Australian team to compete at the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. I got to see what it was like living in a Village with all the athletes, and competing internationally for the first time."

The 2010 YOG was your first international meet, at the time what did this mean to you and what sort of experience did it provide?

"I had only ever raced in Australia before, so it was cool to race other countries. Competing against people of similar ages made it a bit less daunting for me at the time."

What were the highlights for you at the Singapore YOG?

"The highlights were probably living in the village and meeting people from other countries, and also competing in mixed relay events, which was a lot of fun competing against the boys as well."

You have been through the ups and downs in swimming - what words of advice would you give to other young athletes?

"There's always going to be ups and downs in everything you do, but just remember that the downs can’t last forever, and when you have the ups they feel even better! But the most important thing is that you’re enjoying it. When you’re having fun, you’ll be more successful and the downs don’t seem so bad."

What are your future swimming goals and does this include the Rio Olympics?

My future swimming goals are definitely to be competing at the Olympics in Rio 2016.

Emma McKeon with Frances Cordaro
olympics.com.au
@AUSOlympicTeam