Australian Olympic champion Mollie O'Callaghan has disclosed she was diagnosed with spinal stress fractures but has been cleared to compete at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. O'Callaghan, the reigning Olympic 200m freestyle champion, shared her diagnosis on Instagram, revealing the emotional turmoil she faced after being told to stop swimming immediately last month. Despite the injury, she has been given the green light to participate in the Commonwealth Games and the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in California.
Injury Revelation
O'Callaghan revealed that scans showed stress fractures and bone oedema on her lumbar spine. Her team consulted a spinal specialist, and after further assessment, she was allowed to compete. "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 posted.
Competing Despite Injury
O'Callaghan is entered in three individual events in Glasgow—the 100m and 200m freestyle, and 50m backstroke—and several relays. She hinted her schedule might change due to her injury but remains committed to giving her best performance. "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," she said.
Fellow Swimmer's Retirement
O'Callaghan's health revelations came a day after fellow Australian swimmer Shayna Jack announced her retirement from competition after the Commonwealth Games. Jack, who was banned for four years after testing positive for a muscle growth agent in 2019, said she wants to retire with pride. "I want to go out there, head held high, proud of who I am, proud of who I am representing and proud of what I am saying goodbye to," Jack said.
