Olympic champion Mollie O'Callaghan has confirmed she is fit to compete at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, despite being advised by doctors last month to cease swimming immediately due to stress fractures in her spine.
The 22-year-old Australian revealed that scans showed injuries on her lumbar spine, which initially threatened her participation in the Games starting July 23. However, after further evaluation following the Australian Swimming Trials, she has been cleared to compete in Glasgow and the Pan Pacific Championships beginning August 12 in California.
"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."
O'Callaghan, who has won eight Olympic medals including five golds and is the reigning 200m freestyle world champion, plans to compete in the 100m and 200m freestyle, the 50m backstroke, and the mixed relay in Glasgow. She noted that her performances "might look a little different" this time but vowed to give her all in every race.