Australian Olympic champion Mollie O'Callaghan has been cleared to swim at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after being told last month to 'stop swimming immediately' due to spinal stress fractures. The 22-year-old reigning Olympic 200m freestyle champion revealed her anguish in the lead-up to the Games, which begin on 23 July, and the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in California in August.
O'Callaghan's Health Scare
In an Instagram post, O'Callaghan shared that she was initially told she would not be able to compete at trials, the Commonwealth Games, or Pan Pacs. '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 wrote. '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.'
Scans revealed stress fractures and bone oedema on her lumbar spine. O'Callaghan's team sought advice from a spinal specialist, and after further assessment following the swimming trials, she was given the green light to compete.
Competition Schedule and Adjustments
O'Callaghan is entered in three individual events in Glasgow: the 100m and 200m freestyle, and the 50m backstroke, as well as several women's and mixed relays. However, she hinted that her schedule might change. '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.
Shayna Jack Announces Retirement
O'Callaghan's health revelations came as fellow Australian swimmer Shayna Jack announced her retirement from competition after the Commonwealth Games. In an emotional video, Jack recalled how 'life blew up for me in 2019' after testing positive for the muscle growth agent Ligandrol in an out-of-competition test in June 2019. Despite proclaiming her innocence and insisting the substance entered her system by contamination, she was banned for four years. '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.
