Swimming superstar Mollie O’Callaghan has opened up about the terrifying injury ordeal she’s endured in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games after discovering she had a serious spinal problem.
O’Callaghan, 22, has revealed she has experienced stress fractures and a bone oedema in her lower back.
Oedema sufferers endure fluid accumulation in the spongy interior of their bones, with the condition typically caused by trauma or stress fractures.
O’Callaghan has now sought advice from a spinal specialist, and has since been told she is allowed to compete in the global event.
Despite the positive news, the Paris Olympics champion has admitted the health issues might affect her performance at the upcoming Games.
‘Last month I was told I wouldn’t be able to compete at Trials, the Commonwealth Games or Pan Pacs,’ O’Callaghan wrote on Instagram.
Aussie Olympic gold medalist Mollie O’Callaghan (pictured at the Paris Games) has revealed the spinal injury that almost ruined her Commonwealth Games campaign
The Olympic gold medallist (pictured) has had to fight tooth and nail to be ready for the upcoming event after suffering stress fractures and a build-up of fluid inside her bones
O’Callaghan (pictured with fellow Aussie swimming star Kaylee McKeown)
‘I was also told to stop swimming immediately. 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.
‘Things might look a little different for me at the Commonwealth Games … but I’ll give everything I have and do my absolute best every time I race.’
Despite the setback, O’Callaghan will remain one of the star attractions when the Games begin in Scotland on July 23.
