Pool queen Susie O'Neill reveals why she is giving the Olympics a big miss after going to every Games since 1992 Susie O'Neill won't be attending the Paris Games this year Says she is keen to start trying things she hasn't done before After turning 50 she wants to step out of her comfort zone By James Cooney For Daily Mail Australia Published: 03:10 BST, 23 May 2024 | Updated: 03:10 BST, 23 May 2024 e-mail View comments Aussie swimming legend Susie O'Neill has appeared at every Olympics since she debuted as a swimmer in 1992, but this year she's decided to give the world's biggest sporting event a miss to concentrate on her family life. O'Neill, dubbed Madame Butterfly by Australian fans, had a stellar career that included two gold, four silver, and two bronze medals at the Olympics as well as four world titles and 11 Commonwealth Games golds. She made a triumphant return to the pool after the Sydney Olympics, where she signed off with a gold medal in the 200m freestyle but lost the final of her pet event the 50m freestyle in heartbreaking fashion.
O'Neill has been at every Games for decades, but she wants to change things up in a big way this year. Aussie swimming great Susie O'Neill (pictured at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame induction ceremony) is breaking with tradition and giving the Paris Olympics a miss O'Neill has been at every Olympics in some capacity since she debuted in 1992 'I turned 50 last year, so I'm kind of just trying to do things that I haven't done befo.