By Jon Healy

Topic: Commonwealth Games

Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 12:12 pm

Mollie O'Callaghan was told she could not swim at the trials or the Commonwealth Games due to her injuries.

In short:

Australian swimmer Mollie O'Callaghan had spinal stress fractures and a shoulder injury before the Australian Swimming Trials in June.

The 22-year-old was told she could not compete at the Commonwealth Games or Pan Pacific Championships but plans to swim at both.

What's next?

ABC Sport will live blog every day of the 2026 Commonwealth Games starting July 23.

Mollie O'Callaghan fought through stress fractures and bone bruising in her back to compete at the Commonwealth Games.

Just over a week before the Games start in Glasgow, O'Callaghan shared her story on social media.

Last month, I was told I couldn't compete at Trials, the Commonwealth Games, or Pan Pacs, and I had to stop swimming immediately.

It was a moment that showed me how much representing Australia means to me and how badly I want to be part of this team.

The scans showed stress fractures and bone oedema in my lumbar spine.

My team got advice from a spinal specialist to see if I could compete safely.

After further assessment, everything is moving in a positive direction, and I got the green light to compete at the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacs.

O'Callaghan will compete in three individual events and several relays.

She also had a shoulder issue before the Games, which start on July 23.

The Pan Pacific Swimming Championships start in California two weeks after the Commonwealth Games.

Things might look different for me at the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacs, but I'll give my best every time I race.

Thanks to my team and spinal specialist for working hard to keep me in the water while prioritizing my recovery.

I couldn't have done this without you. I'm excited to wear the green and gold again. See you in Glasgow!

ABC Sport will live blog every day of the 2026 Commonwealth Games from July 23.

The ABC of Sport

Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 12:12 pm

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