Wollongong's Rick McKeon admits the last few days have been very emotional for him, watching his grandchildren David and Emma scoop up medals in the Glasgow pool.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
McKeon, 77, hasn't missed a minute of the Commonwealth Games action from his loungeroom, alongside his faithful labrador Sam.
"I've been hooked since opening night," the former swim coach said.
"I love watching David and Emma swim, not just because they are winning, but because I love the sport and I enjoy watching them do their best at it.
''There has been a lot of cheering and a lot of excitement coming from this house.''
"They have both matured so much in the pool over the past 12 months and it's been exciting to watch."
Mr McKeon has been in daily phone contact with his son Ron, who is in Glasgow with wife Susie and daughter Kaitlin supporting David, 22, and Emma, 20, poolside.
Mr McKeon, known by his grandchildren as "Pop", has also been sending well wishes to his grandchildren on the phone.
"The kids have got a lot of support from their family," said Mr McKeon, whose wife Marion passed away several years ago.
"We are all behind them 100 per cent.
"In the past few days, I have been getting a lot of phone calls from old family friends saying how proud they are of David and Emma, so it's just been wonderful."
Emma McKeon has made a dream debut at her first Commonwealth Games.
The former Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS) student claimed gold in the 200 metres freestyle and the 4x100 metres relay - with teammates Cate Campbell, Bronte Campbell and Melanie Schlanger.
She also nabbed a 100 metres butterfly bronze.
On day three, she claimed her third gold in the record-breaking 4x200 metre freestyle relay win, alongside Alicia Coutts, Brittany Elmslie and Bronte Barratt.
David collected a silver medal in the 400 metres freestyle.
"There has been a lot of cheering and a lot of excitement coming from this house," Mr McKeon said.
Swim coach Ron McKeon and his brother Mike, Wollongong City Council's environment programs and projects co-ordinator, grew up in the Maroubra area in a family that lived and breathed aquatic sports.
They were introduced to swimming by Rick.
Ron is a former Olympian and the 1978 Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Susie McKeon (formerly Woodhouse) was at the 1982 Commonwealth Games, while uncle Rob Woodhouse was also an Olympic swimmer.
Emma, who is coached by Vince Raleigh, still has the medley relay and 100 metres freestyle to come.
And the tip from "Pop" McKeon: "She has the potential to medal in both of those."
David will swim in the 4x200 metre freestyle relay on Monday.
