Olympic champion swimmer, and dubbed "the greatest backstroke swimmer," Kaylee McKeown announced she pulled out of the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championships, after contracting a glandular fever. "I am gutted to medically withdraw," she shared in a statement for Swimming Australia Friday. "What I thought a few months ago was the flu has turned out to be my body fighting glandular fever," she added. "It was a hard decision to make but it was the right one," the swimmer said.
Kaylee's withdrawal from the games initially left her team at a loss for what to do, however, it may allow for a light to be shone onto Mollie O'Callaghan, given her record clocking 27.19 at last month's 50m backstroke trials, only 0.06 seconds behind McKeown. It's also worth noting that while O'Callaghan didn't participate in the 100m backstroke trials, her personal best in 2024 sits at 57.88. Her record is faster than any Commonwealth swimmer, and may be Australia's best hope for the games.
Quitting Doesn't Always Mean Losing
McKeown and her team may have been let down, but her withdrawal is arguably the best course of action for athletes diagnosed with glandular fever.
Also known as infectious mononucleosis, glandular fever is most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Recovery varies widely, but many patients experience prolonged fatigue that can persist for weeks or even months after the initial infection. Attempting to train or compete intensely before the body has recovered can significantly delay healing and increase the risk of long-term complications.
McKeown revealed she had been battling symptoms for several months, including fatigue, breathlessness, insomnia, and loss of appetite, even competing at Australia's selection trials while feeling unwell. She said her biggest concern became the possibility of pushing herself too hard and developing chronic fatigue, prompting the difficult decision to prioritize recovery over competition.
For elite athletes, another important consideration is the temporary enlargement of the spleen that can occur with glandular fever. Intense physical activity, particularly contact sports or strenuous training, can increase the risk of splenic rupture, a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. For that reason, medical professionals typically recommend avoiding vigorous exercise until symptoms have resolved and a physician determines it is safe to return.
Getting Behind Glandular Fever and What It Is
According to NHS UK, Glandular fever is a viral infection that most usually affects teenagers and young adults. It spreads primarily through saliva, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the "kissing disease," although it can also be transmitted through shared drinks, utensils, or close personal contact.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Fever
- Severe sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen tonsils
- In some cases, an enlarged liver or spleen
Diagnosis is usually based on a physical examination, a patient's symptoms, and blood tests that may identify the Epstein-Barr virus or characteristic changes in white blood cells.
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for glandular fever. Instead, management focuses on rest, adequate hydration, pain relief, and allowing the body's immune system to recover naturally.
Most patients gradually improve over several weeks, although fatigue may linger much longer, which is why individuals with glandular fever should avoid heavy lifting, intense training, and contact sports until medically cleared because of the increased risk of spleen injury.
Taking One For The Team In a Different Way
McKeown's withdrawal serves as an important reminder that even the world's most accomplished athletes are not immune to illnesses that require patience rather than perseverance.
Elite competitors are often praised for pushing through discomfort, but glandular fever is one condition where continuing to train can prolong recovery and potentially lead to more serious complications.
By stepping away despite the significance of the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championships, McKeown has highlighted the importance of listening to medical advice instead of competing through illness.
Her absence also reshapes Australia's medal outlook and creates opportunities for other swimmers, particularly Mollie O'Callaghan, to assume larger roles in Glasgow. At the same time, the decision underscores a broader lesson for athletes and recreational exercisers alike: missing an important event can be difficult, but protecting long-term health is often the wiser choice.
