Kylie McKeown has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with glandular fever

Five-time Olympic backstroke champion Kayleigh McKeon has pulled out of this summer’s Commonwealth Games with glandular fever.

The 24-year-old Australian, who holds Olympic, world and Commonwealth 100m and 200m backstroke titles, will also miss the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in August.

McCown said he had to “medically withdraw” from events, but said it was the right decision.

The Games are held in Glasgow, Scotland from July 23 to August 2, with six days of swimming events starting on July 24.

“What I thought a few months ago was the flu was fighting glandular fever in my body,” McCune said.

“I was sick going into the exam and I just didn’t feel well and I worried about pushing myself so hard that I’d end up with chronic fatigue.

“It was a difficult decision to make but it was the right one.”

Australian swimming head coach Rohan Taylor said he respected and supported McCune’s decision to “prioritise health”.

Taylor added: “We all know how intense and competitive he is – and he showed that by performing the way he did in the trials.

“Kelly is a generational athlete. He’s what we call a racer.”