Ian Thorpe honours new Australian Olympic Games GOAT Emma McKeon: ‘Couldn’t have happened to a better person’

Swimming legend Ian Thorpe has supported Emma McKeon after she made sporting history in Australia on the first day of the Paris Olympics, becoming the country’s most successful gold medalist.

The 30-year-old won the 4x100m freestyle relay on the opening night in the pool, giving McKeon six gold medals, one more than Ian Thorpe.

“Wow. I don’t keep track of that stuff. I hear it from you guys. It’s really an honor,” she told Nine after the swim.

Thorpe was thrilled that McKeon was the one who had finally met his standard.

“It’s amazing,” he said in his commentary.

‘This couldn’t have happened to anyone better, really.’

‘She is the most successful swimmer and the most successful Olympian in our country.

“She should be praised for who she is, what she has meant to the sport.”

Ian Thorpe (pictured) paid tribute to pool queen Emma McKeon after she set a new record for Australian Olympic gold medals

Mckeon won her sixth gold medal, breaking the record she previously shared with Thorpe

Things are a far cry from 12 years ago, when McKeon narrowly missed out on selection for the London Olympics and considered quitting the sport.

“When I look back at that young (person) – I think I was 17 when I missed London – you could never have told her I was going to do this,” McKeon said.

“It’s just perseverance, you have ups and downs. You just keep going and you keep checking the boxes. I can’t believe where I am now.”

It’s no mystery to McKeon why Australia’s women’s 4x100m freestyle have won the last four Olympic gold medals.

“As the years go by, the standard just keeps getting higher. If you look at the history of this event for Australia, everyone wants to be a part of it,” she said.

McKeon (who celebrated with partner Cody Simpson) said it was an honour to stand in front of Thorpe

“The bar keeps getting higher, that’s probably what makes this team stronger.”

McKeon continues her campaign in Paris on Sunday in the 100m butterfly.

She will also likely compete in the 4x100m medley relay and the 4x100m mixed medley relay.