UOW Media Release: 17 July 2025
The University of Wollongong (UOW) made Illawarra Olympic icon Emma McKeon AM an Honorary Doctor of Health Sciences – and renamed the UniActive pool in her honour – in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Australian sport and her work in championing the rights and well-being of children and young people.
McKeon was recognised during the University’s graduation ceremony, where she delivered an inspiring address to the graduating class. She spoke with honesty and warmth about her journey, encouraging graduates to be proud of how far they’ve come, and to lean on the resilience they’ve built when facing the unknown.
“Today, take a moment to reflect on where you started, and who you were when this journey began. Be proud of not just the outcomes, but of the persistence, the sacrifices and the resilience it took to get here,” she said.
To honour her legacy, UOW officially renamed the UniActive swimming pool as the Emma McKeon Pool. As a local athlete who once trained in that facility, it’s a fitting tribute to her roots and the influence she continues to have on young swimmers in the region.
The naming ceremony took place following the graduation, with McKeon attending alongside UOW Chancellor Michael Still, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor G.Q. Max Lu, students, staff and members of the community.
“This pool has helped shape countless young athletes over the years, including Emma. Renaming it in her honour is our way of saying thank you – for what she’s achieved, and for the pride she brings to Wollongong,” Mr Still said
“Emma is not just an Olympic champion — she’s a role model whose humility, perseverance and dedication inspire people far beyond the pool.
“She is deeply connected to this region, and we are incredibly proud to recognise her with this honorary degree.”
McKeon is Australia's most decorated Olympian, winning 14 medals across three Olympic Games. In 2022, she was appointed UNICEF Australia Ambassador to advocate for the protection and promotion of children’s rights, and as 2024 Young Australian of the Year used her platform to connect with young people across the country and promote their self-belief.
