Australian swimming superstar Kaylee McKeown has made the shattering last-minute call to “medically withdraw” from this month’s Commonwealth Games.

The five-time Olympic gold medallist has been diagnosed with glandular fever, and will miss the Games in Glasgow and also the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships.

“I am gutted to medically withdraw,” McKeown said.

“What I thought a few months ago was flu has turned out to be my body fighting glandular fever.

“I was sick going into trials and I have just not got better and I am worried about pushing myself so hard that I end up with chronic fatigue.

“It was a hard decision to make but the right one.”

Australia’s chef de mission Petria Thomas wished the backstroke champion the best possible recovery for her on the road to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

“Kaylee is an outstanding swimmer and fierce competitor and to see her forced to withdraw for medical reasons is an unfortunate outcome for both her and the Australian Commonwealth Games team,” Thomas said.

“We wish her a speedy recovery and know that she will bounce back to her best ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.” The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland from July 23 to August 2, with the six-day swimming event starting on July 24.

Fans can watch all the Commonwealth Games action live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport.