Wollongong's Emma McKeon is within touching distance of becoming Australia's most successful Olympian after claiming a breakthrough gold medal in the 100m freestyle today.
The thrilling sprint in Tokyo, in which a gracious Cate Campbell won bronze, was McKeon's first individual gold at an Olympic Games.
McKeon has now won eight Olympic medals (three gold, two silver and three bronze).
That places the 27-year-old alongside fellow swim greats Dawn Fraser, Petria Thomas and Susie O'Neill on eight medals.
In McKeon's crosshairs are Ian Thorpe and Leisel Jones, with nine medals apiece.
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Thorpe's GOAT status is unlikely to change – he won five golds – but McKeon still has huge opportunities for more glory in Tokyo.
The 27-year-old is now on track to win the most medals at a single Olympics, with the 50m freestyle and two further relays – the 4x100m medley and the mixed medley relay – of her program remaining.
McKeon's four medal haul in Tokyo ranks behind only the equal Australian record of five at one games, set by Thorpe, Shane Gould and Alicia Coutts.
"I can't believe it," McKeon said after the 100m win.
"It doesn't feel real. I can just feel my emotions bubbling up now. I feel like this week's been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster – just getting up for your races and trying to relax again.
"I know all of my family back home are watching and I felt them with me in my race. I know all the support they've given me over all the years of me swimming."
MOST OLYMPIC MEDALS WON BY AN AUSTRALIAN
Ian Thorpe 9: 5 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze
Leisel Jones 9: 3 gold, 5 silver, 1 bronze
Dawn Fraser 8: 4 gold, 4 silver
Petria Thomas 8: 3 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze
Emma McKeon 8: 3 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze
Susie O'Neill 8: 2 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze
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