The Wollongong swimming sensation leaves for camp in two weeks but was not too busy to visit the university pool to partner with IMB in an initiative that will give young children the chance to learn from mentors such as herself, Marty Haynes, of i98fm, and Dr Nicola Smith, of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.

All three were at the launch of the When I Grow Up initiative and McKeon spoke of how important and motivating it was for her to meet swimming stars when she was young and starting out.

"I was very lucky to have great role models when I was growing up because my parents were very involved in swimming and knew a lot of other swimmers and athletes who were coming though," she said.

McKeon said she would never forget the day she got to meet "Madame Butterfly" Suzie O'Neill and how much impact that had on her when she was starting out.

She is preparing to compete in the 100-metre butterfly, 200m freestyle and three relays in Russia.

She wants to show the children what is possible when they set goals and work hard to achieve them.

"I can't wait to share some of my tips with kids, to show them what is possible when you put your mind to it," she said.

IMB's Michael Brannon said the business' support was another part of its 135th birthday celebrations.

Mr Brannon said that, in the months ahead, IMB was offering 30 children the chance to spend time with the Wollongong swimming star, 30 children the chance to spend time at WIN Television and i98fm, and 40 children an opportunity to see the important work Dr Smith and her team did in Sydney.

Each mentor would share tips on how they achieved success.

IMB chief executive Robert Ryan said McKeon was a great ambassador for the When I Grow Up program because she was such an inspiration for children as well as people of all ages.

Further information about how children can go in the draw for a chance to meet and get some tips from a mentor can be found at imb.com.au/goals.