Commonwealth Games: O’Callaghan was told to stop swimming a month before the event

Olympic champion Molly O’Callaghan says she is fit to compete at the Commonwealth Games despite being told by doctors last month to stop swimming immediately because of a stress fracture in her spine.

The 22-year-old Australian said his participation in the Games, which begin in Glasgow on July 23, was in jeopardy after scans revealed an injury to his lumbar spine.

But after “further assessment” after the Australian swimming trials, O’Callaghan was told she would be fit to compete in Glasgow, as well as the Pan Pacific Championships in California starting on August 12.

O’Callaghan has won eight Olympic medals for Australia, including five golds, and is the 200m freestyle world champion.

“Last month I was told I couldn’t compete in the trials, Commonwealth Games or Pan Pacs. I was also told to stop swimming immediately,” O’Callaghan posted on Instagram.

“It was a moment that reinforced how important it is to me to represent Australia and how badly I want to be part of this team.”

Callaghan is set to compete in the 100m and 200m freestyle, 50m backstroke and mixed relay in Glasgow, but says “things might look a little different” for him in the events.

“I will give everything I have and do my best every time I race,” he added.