The Australian women's swim team has been phenomenal at this year's Paris 2024 Games, with swimmers Ariarne Titmus, Mollie O'Callaghan, and Kaylee McKeown all taking home gold in their events, but the Illawarra region is justifiably most proud of its very own, Emma McKeon.

Since her debut at the 2016 Rio Games, Emma has won 12 Olympic medals, including six gold. In Paris this week, she was part of the Women's 4x100m freestyle relay team taking home gold, making her the most decorated Olympian in Australian history.

For the many locals inspired by Emma's career, her family's swim school offers Wollongong residents a chance to enjoy the water just as much as they do.

“Emma has had amazing success as a swimmer,” said Greg Crawford, general manager of McKeon’s Swim School.

“We couldn’t be prouder of her.”

Emma's parents, Ron and Susie, opened McKeon's Swim School in 1991 after leaving their day jobs. They expanded to a second location in 1996 and moved the school to its current Unanderra site in 2005. The school has employed more than 100 staff and taught thousands of people in the Illawarra.

“It's about sharing the love of water,” Greg said.

“We understand that not every person who comes to the pool is going to turn into an Olympian.

“In the environment and location where we live, it’s an Australian lifestyle.”

With another facility in Towradgi, the school has programs for people of all ages. Whether it is helping a child or adult swim up to 400 metres or a toddler swim to the side of the pool, the aim is to allow everyone to progress at their own pace, said Natasha Sturges, a McKeon's swim instructor. The school also runs a program for people from non-English-speaking backgrounds, helping them acquire a lifelong skill and enjoy the water.

“Everyone deserves to be able to enjoy water and the joy that it brings,” Greg said.

"Being able to swim is fundamental to safely enjoy water activities."

Various classes support this mindset, from aqua aerobics to lessons designed to simply teach someone how to swim. For infants and young children, it’s about familiarising them with the water and creating the bond early on.

The school offers a comprehensive program for competitive swimmers, from junior development to senior squads, utilising top-quality coaches and facilities, including the University of Wollongong, to support swimmers’ journeys as far as they aspire to go. While Olympic-level athletes advance to different programs, the school provides an excellent foundation for swimmers to pursue competitive opportunities.

The school also provides valuable employment opportunities, especially for university students.

To learn more about potential job openings or the classes they offer, visit their website here.