Australian swimming star Mollie O’Callaghan received instructions to cease all swimming activities last month due to stress fractures in her spine. However, she has now received clearance to participate in the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

The 22-year-old Olympic champion in the 200m freestyle shared her emotional journey leading up to the Glasgow event starting July 23, as well as the Pan Pacific Championships in California next month.

In an Instagram post, she explained: “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.”

She added that this experience highlighted the importance of representing her country.

Medical scans revealed stress fractures along with bone swelling in her lower back. Her medical team consulted a specialist for guidance.

Following additional evaluations after the national trials, she was approved to compete in both the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacs.

She is scheduled for the 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, and 50m backstroke individually, plus relay events, though adjustments to her program are possible.

O’Callaghan noted that her participation might differ slightly but she will compete with full effort.

Her announcement coincided with teammate Shayna Jack declaring her retirement post-Games.

Jack expressed readiness to retire and focus on her personal identity, reflecting on the 2019 incident where she tested positive for Ligandrol, leading to a four-year ban which she attributed to contamination.

She aims to conclude her career with pride.