Mollie O'Callaghan will compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championships despite doctors initially advising her to withdraw from selection trials due to injury. The 22-year-old Australian swimmer revealed her fight to return after being diagnosed with stress fractures and bone bruising in her back.
What happened?
O'Callaghan shared her struggle on social media just over a week before the Games begin in Glasgow. Doctors told her to stop swimming immediately, citing stress fractures and bone edema in her lumbar spine. A second opinion from a spinal specialist gave her the green light to compete after further assessment.
Why it matters for Mollie O'Callaghan
The Olympic gold medalist heads to Glasgow as the defending 100m freestyle champion. She qualified for the 100m and 200m freestyle and 50m backstroke at the Trials in Sydney. O'Callaghan will also compete in four relays, including the 4x100m freestyle and medley.
What comes next?
The Commonwealth Games begin on July 23 in Glasgow, followed by the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships from August 12 to 15 in Irvine, California. O'Callaghan aims to add the Commonwealth 200m freestyle title to her Olympic gold.
Her return comes after the withdrawal of teammate Kaylee McKeown and the retirement announcement of Shayna Jack. O'Callaghan thanked her team and spinal specialist for their support, saying, 'I can’t wait to wear the green and gold again.'