Emma McKeon (right) receiving bronze for the 100m Women’s Butterfly at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (Photo: Marko Djurica)
Australia’s most decorated Olympian Emma McKeon and brother David McKeon will host a two-hour clinic exclusively to Yass Swim Club (YSC) members next year.
Held on February 26 at Yass Memorial Pool, there are just a dozen of 50 total spots left but club registrations are still open for new members who wish to join before the McKeon siblings’ clinic.
Yass Swimming Club Race Secretary Kellie Deery said the club was very excited to have both of them here.
“It’s really exciting for the club and for swimming,” she said. Last year YSC members participated in a swim clinic hosted by Olympian James Magnussen, which was well received.
“The older kids definitely know who Emma McKeon is,” Kellie said. “It’s just a real boost, especially after everything that’s happened with COVID-19 and the shutdown.”
“It’ll just be a nice boost for our club and swimming in general.”
Kellie said she originally contacted the McKeon Swim School in Wollongong, which is owned by Emma and David’s parents – Susie and former Olympian Ron McKeon.
She expected to hear back from them but instead, David answered her enquiry and said he would be happy to support a country club.
“He understands the importance of that and then mentioned that Emma would be keen to join him,” Kellie said. “I couldn’t believe my luck to be honest.”
The pair specialise in freestyle and butterfly strokes but the clinic will likely cover dry land fitness, stroke work, diving, technique advice, and a questions and autographs session.
With a maximum of 50 YSC members allowed to participate in the clinic, the club is asking for swimmers eight years and older that are reasonably competent to swim a few laps of the pool.
Kellie said YSC has also recently gained a new sponsor in BOGO Merino.
“BOGO Merino’s very generously donating some money towards the clinic,” she said. “That will be a huge help for our club.”
“They’ve been a long-time supporter of our club, so we’re lucky to have their support.”
Swimmers can sign up to be a member via Swim Central or they can ask questions through their Facebook page Yass Swimming Club.
By Brianna O’Rourke
