“Hope everyone will like that name.”

After bringing joy to the whole of Australia by winning a gold medal at the China Open with a 17-year unbroken world record, Cameron McEvoy has now caused fans and the media to explode with excitement after publicly announcing the happy news that his wife, Madeline Bone, is pregnant. But what has truly made him the center of media attention is the name he has chosen for their child, which has left many people shocked!

In a week already filled with celebration following his historic world record in the 50m freestyle, Australian swimming superstar Cameron McEvoy has delivered another bombshell — this time off the pool deck. The 31-year-old Olympic champion and his wife, Madeline Bone, announced on social media that they are expecting their first child later this year.

What captured the nation’s attention, however, was not just the pregnancy announcement, but the very special name the couple has chosen for their baby. McEvoy revealed they have decided to name their child “Aussie Blue McEvoy” if it is a boy, and “Aussie Rose McEvoy” if it is a girl.

The name “Aussie” — a direct and affectionate reference to Australia — has sparked intense debate and surprise across the country. While many fans praised the choice as patriotic and heartfelt, others found it unconventional, bold, and even controversial.

In an exclusive interview with Channel 9, a visibly emotional McEvoy explained the reasoning behind the name. “This baby is going to be born in Australia, raised in Australia, and will grow up with Australian values,” he said. “We wanted the name to reflect where we come from and the pride we have in our country. Madeline and I both love the nickname ‘Aussie’. It’s simple, strong, and uniquely ours.”

Madeline Bone, who was sitting beside her husband during the interview, became teary-eyed as she spoke about the journey. “After everything Cam has been through this year — the world record, the unfair accusations, the pressure — this baby feels like a beautiful new chapter,” she said. “We hope people will like the name, but more importantly, we hope our child grows up knowing how proud we are to be Australian.”

The announcement comes at a time when McEvoy is still riding high from his sensational 20.88-second swim in Shenzhen, which broke Cesar Cielo’s long-standing world record. That performance not only cemented his status as one of Australia’s greatest sprinters but also brought immense national pride.

However, the joy was quickly overshadowed by doping allegations from parts of the international swimming community, particularly in the United States. Despite passing all anti-doping tests, McEvoy faced harsh criticism and online abuse. His wife revealed that the stress from these baseless accusations had taken a significant toll on his mental health.

“Cam has given everything to this sport,” Bone said. “To see him being called a cheat when there is zero evidence… it broke him for a while. But this baby has given him a new sense of purpose and happiness.”

The choice of the name “Aussie” has divided public opinion. Some commentators called it “charming and patriotic,” while others labeled it “too casual” or “over the top.” Social media has been flooded with reactions ranging from enthusiastic support to light-hearted jokes and even criticism.

Former Australian swimming legend Ian Thorpe weighed in on the matter, saying, “I think it’s wonderful. Cameron is expressing his love for his country in his own way. In a world where athletes are often told to stay quiet, I respect him for being authentic.”

McEvoy’s decision to share such personal news so openly has also been praised for its honesty. In an era where many elite athletes keep their private lives strictly guarded, the McEvoy family’s transparency has resonated with many Australian families.

As the couple prepares for the arrival of their first child, McEvoy admitted that fatherhood is now his biggest motivation. “Swimming has given me so much, but this is a different kind of legacy,” he said. “I want my child to know that no matter what people say about you, you should always stay true to who you are.”

The pregnancy also adds another layer to McEvoy’s already remarkable 2026 season. With the Australian Open Swimming Championships just days away and the Commonwealth Games later this year, questions remain about how the upcoming fatherhood will affect his training and competitive schedule.

For now, though, Australia seems united in celebration. From Gold Coast to Sydney, from Perth to Brisbane, the nation is buzzing with congratulations for one of its favourite sporting sons.

Whether the name “Aussie Blue” or “Aussie Rose” eventually sticks remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Cameron McEvoy continues to capture the hearts of Australians — both in the pool and outside of it.

As the swimming world looks ahead to the next chapter of his career, many are also eagerly awaiting the arrival of the newest member of the McEvoy family — a child who will carry not just a unique name, but also a deep connection to the lucky country that raised their father.

In the end, McEvoy’s message was simple yet powerful: “Hope everyone will like that name.” And whether they do or not, Australia has once again fallen in love with the man behind the goggles — a champion, a soon-to-be father, and proudly, an Aussie through and through.