Olympic great McKeown wins top Aussie swimming award

Kaylee McKeown's historic feats in Paris have received further accolade, winning Australia's Olympic swimmer-of-the-year award.

McKeown became the first Australian to win four individual Olympic gold medals with her double delight at the Paris Games.

The 23-year-old won gold in the women's 100m backstroke and 200m backstroke - she is the first swimmer to successfully defend Olympic titles in the events.

McKeown, who also won a silver medal and two bronze in Paris, was given the honour as Australia's joint flag bearer at the closing ceremony.

Australia's Tim Hodge won Swimming Australia's Paralympic swimmer-of-the-year gong after claiming his maiden individual gold in the men's 200m individual medley SM9 in Paris.

Hodge also won gold as part of Australia's triumphant mixed 4x100m medley 34pt relay team and collected silver in the men's 100m butterfly S9.

Moesha Johnson won the open water swimmer of the year - she captured a silver medal in the women's 10km marathon swim in Paris and also competed in the pool in the 1500m freestyle.

Swimming Australia's chief executive Rob Woodhouse lauded the trio at an awards function in Sydney on Saturday.

"They have withstood the pressures of international sport at its fiercest, but it is not only how they finished on the podium but how they competed," Woodhouse said.

"I am not sure perfection is attainable but if we chase perfection, we catch excellence and these three are among the very best."