Kaylee McKeown hard launches new relationship with ex-AFL player Declan Watson, swimming latest news
Australia's Olympic golden girl Kaylee McKeown has publicly revealed her new partner – former North Melbourne AFL-listed-player-turned-lawyer Declan Watson – just a week after her stunning world championships performance in Singapore.
McKeown is undoubtedly one of Australia's biggest Olympic stars, the first Aussie in history to win back-to-back 100m-200m swimming titles following her incredible performances in Paris last year.
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But behind the golden glow McKeown suffered heartache, with a split from her long term boyfriend and fellow Dolphins swimmer Brendan Smith.
McKeown and Smith had dated for about four years, both having set up base on the Gold Coast in the lead up to the Paris Olympics training under Michael Bohl.
But since the split, and with Bohl relocating to China, McKeown has left the Gold Coast and relocated back home to the Sunshine Coast with her family to continue her swimming career.
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Swim star Kaylee McKeown has publicly revealed her new partner Declan Watson. Picture: Instagram
McKeown with her new beau at Uluru. Picture: Instagram
However the 24-year-old has clearly moved on with life, winning double backstroke gold again in Singapore and then returning home for a well-deserved holiday with her new man posting some stunning photos of their holiday to Uluru.
Watson too posted photos of McKeown on his Instagram page – making the duo Insta-official.
The 26-year-old was drafted by North Melbourne with pick No.34 in the 2016 draft but after back-to-back ACL injuries the key defender never played a game for the Kangaroos and was de-listed in 2019.
He has since returned home to Brisbane where he now works as a lawyer.
'Declan showed some great potential but unfortunately was set back with injury,' North VFL coach David Loader said at the time.
'He was a great contributor to our group and we certainly wish him all the best for the future.'
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