O'Callaghan cleared for Commonwealth Games despite injury

Australian swimming star Mollie O’Callaghan will compete at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow despite recently being diagnosed with stress fractures and bone oedema in her lumbar spine, an injury that initially threatened her season. The five-time Olympic champion, 22, confirmed her participation in a social media statement on July 15, 2026, just over a week before the Games begin on July 23.

O’Callaghan revealed that last month she was told by medical professionals she would be unable to compete at the Australian selection trials, the Commonwealth Games, or the subsequent Pan Pacific Championships, and was advised to stop swimming immediately. She described the moment as reinforcing her deep desire to represent Australia. Following further assessment from a spinal specialist, she was cleared to compete after the trials, allowing her to join the national team.

Her participation comes as a significant boost for the Australian squad, which is already without backstroke world record holder Kaylee McKeown, who withdrew due to glandular fever. O’Callaghan is now considered a central medal hope. She is scheduled to race in the women’s 100m and 200m freestyle, the 50m...