ADELAIDE: Australian swimming star Mollie O’Callaghan became emotional during a television interview on Wednesday, overwhelmed by the intense pressure following her recent achievements, including an Olympic gold medal.
O’Callaghan secured victory in the women’s 200m freestyle final at the Australian world championship trials, finishing with a time of 1:54.43, just ahead of fellow Olympian Lani Pallister, who clocked 1:54.89. When Cate Campbell, an Australian swimming icon and O’Callaghan’s former teammate, asked her thoughts on the race, O’Callaghan responded candidly, calling the swim “awful” while laughing, revealing her critical nature when assessing her performances.
The tone of the interview shifted as O’Callaghan began to discuss the struggles she has faced in recent months. Battling back tears, she admitted, "I’ve had a rough couple of past months," as Pallister offered her support. O’Callaghan shared the stress of competing, noting, "Tonight was really stressful for me." She expressed her difficulty in returning to form since the Paris Games, calling the lead-up to the trials "the hardest thing" she has experienced.
Despite this turmoil, she was relieved to secure a place on the team, reflecting on the challenges of trying to defend her Olympic title. O’Callaghan’s resilience in the face of pressure showcases the emotional toll on elite athletes, highlighting her determination and dedication as she prepared for the upcoming competition.
More updates are expected soon.
Catch the 2025 Australian swimming trials live and free on Nine and 9Now from June 9-14.