Mollie O’Callaghan was emotional after winning the 200m freestyle at the Australian trials, posting the fastest time of the year. Image: Delly Carr/Swimming Australia.
(The Post News)– Olympic champion Mollie O’Callaghan fought back tears after clocking the fastest 200m freestyle time of 2025 at the Australian trials on Wednesday, admitting she’s struggled emotionally since her success in Paris.
The 21-year-old surged to victory in Adelaide with a time of 1:54.43, securing her place at next month’s world championships in Singapore. Despite the dominant swim, O’Callaghan was visibly emotional post-race, reflecting on a turbulent few months after winning three golds, a silver, and a bronze at the Paris Olympics.
“This lead-up has been the hardest thing I’ve experienced,” she said. “It’s tough coming back down and trying to defend your Olympic status.”
O’Callaghan has also qualified in the 50m and 100m backstroke, though she hasn’t confirmed whether she’ll race them in Singapore. Her 200m freestyle world record was recently broken by compatriot Ariarne Titmus, who is taking a break this season but commentated on the race.
“You’re expected to deliver every time once you’re an Olympic champion,” said Titmus. “But we’re human too, and I know exactly how Mollie feels.”
Elsewhere, Lani Pallister finished second in the 200m freestyle with 1:54.89, and all eight finalists swam under the qualifying time, underscoring Australia’s depth in women’s freestyle.
In other events, Cam McEvoy dazzled with a 21.30 to win the 50m freestyle, beating Kyle Chalmers (21.68). Rising star Sienna Toohey, 16, followed up her 100m breaststroke win with a 50m victory, narrowly missing the qualifying time but still likely to compete in Singapore. Harrison Turner qualified in the men’s 200m butterfly, while Sam Short posted a commanding 7:40.95 to win the men’s 800m freestyle.
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