CHAMP IN AND OUT OF THE POOL CALLS COAST HOME
THE queen of last year’s Tokyo Olympics is making a permanent move to the Gold Coast – and bringing a vital campaign with her.
Four-time world record-holder and 11-time Olympic medallist Emma Mckeon has relocated fulltime from Wollongong.
The 27-year-old swimmer has been training under Michael Bohl at Griffith University on the Coast for several years, but hadn’t yet made the full-time move.
She marked the move by launching a personal fundraising appeal to raise $20,000 for emergency support in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.
“It has been devastating to see what is happening in Ukraine,” she said.
“Children and families being torn apart and having to flee their homes, leaving friends and even family members behind.
“I am so fortunate to live here in Australia and wanted to help. Through UNICEF, who are providing safety and peace to these children, we can all make a difference.”
Ms Mckeon was the most decorated athlete across all sports at the 2020 Summer Olympics, winning four gold and three bronze.
UNICEF Australia deputy director Libby Hodgson said she hoped to see a snowball effect from Ms Mckeon’s campaign.
“She’s set herself a target and we’re really hopeful and confident she’ll far exceed that,” Ms Hodgson said.
“We’ve seen a really strong response, everyone’s been moved by the unimaginable scenes.
“What’s great is we’ve had a big outpouring of support but with people like Emma coming on board, not only can people support her, but we hope they’re also inspired to start their own fundraisers.”
For more information about Emma Mckeon’s fundraiser and how to start your own appeal, visit ukraine.unicef.org.au/emma