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Mollie O'Callaghan Reveals Lower Back Fractures Before Glasgow Commonwealth Games
Herz — World Desk · · 30s summary · 2 min read
The essentials
Australian swimmer Mollie O'Callaghan, 22 years old and five-time gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games, revealed on July 15, 2026 that she suffers from stress fractures and bone edema in the lumbar spine, as well as a shoulder injury. Doctors initially forbade her from competing. After consulting with a spinal specialist and receiving favorable post-selection examination results, she received medical clearance to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (starting July 23, 2026) and the Pan-Pacific Swimming Championships in California.
- O'Callaghan Reveals Lower Back Fractures and Shoulder Injury
- Doctors Initially Prohibited Her from Swimming and Competing
- A Spinal Specialist Cleared Her After Favorable Post-Selection Examinations
- She Will Compete in Three Individual Events and Multiple Relays in Glasgow
- Commonwealth Games Begin July 23, 2026 in Glasgow
What We Know
Australian swimmer Mollie O'Callaghan, 22 years old, revealed on July 15, 2026 on her social media that she suffers from stress fractures and bone edema in the lumbar spine. A five-time gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games, she also reported a shoulder injury. These injuries were detected before the Australian selections in June 2026, according to ABC News.
Initially, doctors told her to stop swimming immediately. They indicated she would be unable to participate in the June selections, the Commonwealth Games, or the Pan-Pacific Swimming Championships.
After consulting with a spinal specialist, post-selection examinations showed favorable results. O'Callaghan received medical clearance to participate in both competitions.
Competitions on the Program
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are being held in Glasgow and begin on July 23, 2026. O'Callaghan is entered in three individual events: the 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, and 50m backstroke, as well as in several women's and mixed relays.
The 2026 Pan-Pacific Swimming Championships will take place in California, approximately two weeks after the Commonwealth Games conclude.
Timeline
- Before June 2026Detection of stress fractures and lumbar bone edema, as well as shoulder injury.
- June 2026Australian swimming selections. Doctors had initially asked O'Callaghan to stop swimming and not participate.
- After June 2026Consultation with a spinal specialist. Favorable post-selection examinations: medical clearance for upcoming competitions.
- July 15, 2026Public revelation of injuries by O'Callaghan on her social media.
- July 23, 2026Start of Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
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