Kaylee McKeown Calls for Recognition of Australian Swim Stars
"Australian swimmers are underrecognized relative to their Olympic medal achievements."
The Olympic champion has highlighted a disparity in media coverage between swimming and athletics, arguing that Australia's pool stars do not receive the same level of recognition as their medal hauls would warrant.
Moesha Johnson Dominates Open Water Circuit
Australian open water swimmer Moesha Johnson has enjoyed a flawless 2025 season on the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup circuit. She has won all three 10km races and both 3km knockout events, establishing total dominance in the discipline.
Johnson attributes her success to a change in race strategy. "I've started going for the early sprint lap prize money," she explained. This aggressive approach has resulted in a series of commanding victories.
Olympic Pedigree and a Shift in Focus
Johnson finished sixth in the 1500m pool event at both the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2025 World Championships. She also claimed a silver medal in the 10km open water marathon at Paris 2024.
She is now prioritizing open water for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. While maintaining her pool swimming through alternative competitions, her primary focus is on defending and improving her open water performances.
A Key Milestone on the Road to LA 2028
The Pan Pacific Open Water Championships will be held in Long Beach, California, serving as a critical preparation event for the 2028 Olympics. The location offers a familiar environment for athletes targeting the LA Games.
Building a Legacy
Beyond her individual achievements, Johnson expressed a desire to build depth in Australian open water swimming. She hopes to inspire others to take up the sport, ensuring a strong future for Australia in the discipline.