Australian swimming superstar Mollie O’Callaghan has revealed she fought through stress fractures and bone bruising in her back to compete at the Commonwealth Games.
Just over a week before the start of the program in Glasgow the five-time Commonwealth and five-time Olympic Games gold medallist dropped the bombshell on social media.
“Last month I was told I wouldn’t be able to compete at Trials, the Commonwealth Games or Pan Pacs. I was also told to stop swimming immediately,” she said.
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“It was a moment that reinforced just how much representing Australia means to me and how badly I want to be part of this team.
“The scans showed stress fractures and bone oedema in my lumbar spine.
“My team immediately sought advice from a spinal specialist to see if there was any safe way for me to compete.
“Thankfully, after further assessment everything has continued to move in a positive direction, and after Trials I was given the green light to compete at the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacs.”
O’Callaghan is currently listed to compete in three individual events — the 100m and 200m freestyle, and 50m backstroke, as well as a number of the women’s and mixed relays.
The 22-year-old also spoke about about being hampered by a shoulder issue in the lead-up to the Games, which start on July 23.
The Pan Pacific Swimming Championships start in California about two weeks after the swimmers wrap up in Glasgow.
“Things might look a little different for me at the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacs but I’ll give everything I have and do my absolute best every time I race,” O’Callaghan said.
“A huge thank you to my team and my spinal specialist for working tirelessly to find a way to keep me in the water while making sure my recovery always came first.
“I truly couldn’t have done this without you. I can’t wait to wear the green and gold again. See you in Glasgow!”
ABC Sport will be live blogging every day of the 2026 Commonwealth Games from July 23.