Olympic gold medallist Kaylee McKeown has found love off the pool deck with North Melbourne's rising AFL star Declan Watson, creating a sporting power couple that's capturing attention.
The 22-year-old swimming sensation, who dominated at the Tokyo Olympics, has been quietly dating the Kangaroos defender since early 2023. Their relationship brings together two of Australia's most high-profile sporting codes in an unexpected pairing.
From the Pool to the Pitch
McKeown, currently preparing for the Paris Olympics, has been supporting Watson at AFL matches when her gruelling training schedule permits. Meanwhile, the 24-year-old footballer has become a regular at swimming competitions, cheering on his champion girlfriend from the stands.
"They're both incredibly driven athletes who understand the demands of elite sport," revealed a source close to the couple. "There's a lot of mutual respect and support between them."
Balancing Love and Sport
The relationship faces unique challenges with both athletes maintaining punishing training regimes. McKeown spends most days in the pool at Brisbane's high-performance centre, while Watson is based in Melbourne for AFL commitments.
"The long-distance aspect is tough," the source admitted, "but they make it work with regular visits and plenty of video calls. When they do get time together, they cherish it."
A Shared Competitive Spirit
Friends say the couple bond over their shared competitive nature, often engaging in friendly challenges away from their respective sports. "They're both ultra-competitive but in a fun, supportive way," the insider shared.
Watson, who made his AFL debut in 2022, has reportedly been taking swimming lessons to better understand McKeown's world, while the swimmer has developed a keen interest in Australian Rules football.
As McKeown prepares for her Olympic title defence and Watson continues establishing himself in the AFL, this sporting romance looks set to capture hearts both in and out of the arena.
