Mollie O’Callaghan has topped an all-Australian podium at the Commonwealth Games, winning gold in the 100m freestyle on Wednesday morning.
The 18-year-old swimmer came in ahead of fellow Australians Shayna Jack, who came in second place, and Emma McKeon, in third.
O’Callaghan spoke about coming in ahead of McKeon, who has just become the most successful athlete in Commonwealth Games history.
“I’m really happy,” O’Callaghan said. “And I’m happy for these amazing girls. Especially Emma, she’s an absolute idol so it’s really nice to race alongside her at this time. And Shayna Jack too.”
O’Callaghan, who still has one year of high school to go, came from fourth position at the turn to triumph ahead of Jack and McKeon in the final 50 metres.
O’Callaghan’s triumph in Birmingham comes just one month after she made her mark at the World Championships in Budapest, becoming the youngest women’s 100m freestyle world champion in more than 30 years.
Shayna Jack said it was really special to watch O’Callaghan do so well at the Commonwealth Games.
“Mollie, for me, is really special because we are training partners so I do have more investment in her,” Jack said.
“It’s a special moment for me and for Emma to see someone so young doing such an amazing job.”
Australian swimmers have collectively won 22 gold medals so far at the Commonwealth Games, and O’Callaghan has become the world and Commonwealth champion in the 100m freestyle.
18-year-old Elizabeth Dekkers also had an impressive night in the pool, winning gold in the women’s 200m butterfly.