Remembering Dad: Tokyo Golden Girl Kaylee McKeown Pays Tribute to Late Father Sholto On The Anniversary of His Passing
Australia’s triple Olympic gold medallist Kaylee McKeown swam her way into the hearts of the sporting world when she swept the Olympic Pool in Tokyo revealing the tattoo on her foot: “I’ll always be with you.”
Today she pays tribute to her late father Sholto who she lost 12 months ago to brain cancer with her heartfelt thoughts, favourite photos and videos on the first anniversary of his passing.
The tribute on her Instagram page has seen extraordinary reaction from over 35,000 followers with 450 comments.
GOOD AS GOLD: Kaylee McKeown – one of Australia’s real stars of Tokyo. Photo Courtesy: Robert Hanashiro/USA Today Sports
Olympians, swimmers and swim fans have related to Kaylee’s outpouring, some sharing their own grief in an extraordinary reaction.
“Losing my Dad would have to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to come to terms with,” Kaylee wrote.
“The man who once taught me how to walk, talk and live is no longer a phone call away.
“Instead he is now a precious and timeless memory tied closely to my heart. I will never understand why bad things happen to good people, but I know now that time waits for nobody.
“Whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times, it’s the only time we’ve got.
“Sometimes there will be no next time, no second chance, no time out.
“Sometimes it is now or never, and that is exactly how my dad taught me to live my life.
“Be present, be grateful and remember to tell the people around you that you love them…..because moments can become memories in the blink of an eye.
“I’ll never forget how selfless my dad was, he was the greatest dad I could’ve asked for!
“My biggest cheer leader, my best friend. He gave me so much in life….the best childhood a kid could ask for. I’d do anything just to be able to speak to him again. Until then I’ll never stop living for the both of us, here’s to you Dad.”
McKeown and her Dolphins team mates are preparing to leave their Darwin quarantine base at Howard Springs in the coming days to be re-united with their families – many who have also been in lockdown as much of Australia battles the spreading of Covid-19.
For the girl who swept the backstroke pool with her stunning gold medal swims in the 100 and 200m backstroke and the Australian 4x100m medley, it will be an extra special heart warming and memorable reunion with mum Sharon and Rio Olympian sister Taylor..and everlasting memories of her dad who will always be with her.
ALL GOOD IN THE HOOD: Kaylee McKeown knows her dad Sholto will always be with her. Photo Courtesy:Delly Carr (Swimming Australia).