Comm Games 'might look a little different' for swim star after broken back

Australian swimming superstar Mollie O'Callaghan has revealed she fought through stress fractures and bone bruising in her back to compete at the Commonwealth Games. Just over a week before the start of the program in Glasgow the five-time Commonwealth and five-time Olympic Games gold medallist dropped the bombshell on social media. "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 said. Loading Instagram content "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. "The scans showed stress fractures and bone oedema in my lumbar spine. "My team immediately sought advice from a spinal specialist to see if there was any safe way for me to compete. "Thankfully, after further assessment everything has continued to move in a positive direction, and after Trials I was given the green light to compete at the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacs." O'Callaghan is currently listed to compete in three individual events — the 100m and 200m freestyle, and 50m backstroke, as well as a number of the women's and mixed relays. The 22-year-old also spoke about about being hampered by a shoulder issue in the lead-up to the Games, which start on July 23. The Pan Pacific Swimming Championships start in California about two weeks after the swimmers wrap up in Glasgow. "Things might look a little different for me at the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacs but I'll give everything I have and do my absolute best every time I race," O'Callaghan said. "A huge thank you to my team and my spinal specialist for working tirelessly to find a way to keep me in the water while making sure my recovery always came first. "I truly couldn't have done this without you. I can't wait to wear the green and gold again. See you in Glasgow!" ABC Sport will be live blogging every day of the 2026 Commonwealth Games from July 23. [Image text:] feel new sydr