Commonwealth Games: O’Callaghan advised to cease swimming month earlier than occasion

Olympic champion Mollie O’Callaghan says she is match to compete on the Commonwealth Games regardless of being advised to cease swimming instantly by docs final month due to spinal stress fractures.

The 22-year-old Australian says her participation on the Games, which start in Glasgow on 23 July, was in jeopardy after scans confirmed accidents on her lumbar backbone.

But after “further assessment” following the Australian Swimming Trials, O’Callaghan was advised she can be match to compete in Glasgow, in addition to the Pan Pacific Championships which start in California on 12 August.

O’Callaghan has gained eight Olympic medals for Australia, together with 5 golds, and is the reigning 200m freestyle world champion.

“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,” O’Callaghan posted on Instagram.

“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.”

Callaghan is ready to compete within the 100m and 200m freestyle, the 50m backstroke and blended relay in Glasgow, however says “things might look a little different” for her on the occasions.

“I’ll give everything I have and do my absolute best every time I race,” she added.