How Mollie O’Callaghan Transitioned from Sprint Backstroker to 200 Free Olympic Champion

After only swimming in relay prelims at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Mollie O’Callaghan has been on an absolute warpath on the international swim stage since, capping it off by winning individual gold in the 200 free and relay gold in the 4×100 and 4×200 free relays in Paris.

Just before Tokyo in 2019, O’Callaghan had considered herself primarily a backstroke swimmer who swam sprint freestyle. But as she’s progressed under coach Dean Boxall, she’s dipped her toes more and more into mid-distance freestyle training and racing. That was highlighted last year at the 2023 World Championships, where she won a world title in the event and broke a 14-year-old world record.

Listen to how O’Callaghan reflects on her progression in the pool over the last 5 years and her experience in Paris.

In the SwimSwam Podcast dive deeper into the sport you love with insider conversations about swimming. Hosted by Coleman Hodges and Gold Medal Mel Stewart, SwimSwam welcomes both the biggest names in swimming that you already know, and rising stars that you need to get to know, as we break down the past, present, and future of aquatic sports.

Music: Otis McDonald
www.otismacmusic.com

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torchbearer
12 days ago

At just 20years and a few months, 5G 1S 2B is an impressive Olympic haul!

Emily Se-Bom Lee
15 days ago

off topic: leah neale has moved to rackley, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see zsc there too

Troyy
Reply to  Emily Se-Bom Lee
15 days ago

Neale had already moved to Rackley when ZSC said in the media he’s looking for a new coach so maybe he’s not gonna follow her.

NotHimAgain
15 days ago

Insightful interview. Fun too. Hats off to Mollie and Coleman.

“Mollie and Coleman” sounds like a ballroom dancing duo.

sam
15 days ago

I live mollie O’Callaghan im from canada and i love your podcast

200 flyer
15 days ago

Great interview! Waiting for the interview of the queen of the meet, Summer M!

Last edited 15 days ago by 200 flyer
Chlorinetherapy
15 days ago

What a wonderful interview, would have to be right up there with the best of all time. It came across like two good friends chatting, and we were lucky enough to eavesdrop on the conversation.

Mark69
Reply to  Chlorinetherapy
15 days ago

Coleman is a lovely interviewer. So friendly but also asks good questions.

Swimswammmmmmmmmm
16 days ago

She is such a fighter! She must have a lot of pressure on her, being a teenager, but she handled the pressure well and came through!!

saltie
16 days ago

we need the sexy frenchman Lord Manauduo please

Admin
Reply to  saltie
16 days ago

Already in the bank, should be out soon! I got a sneak preview, it’s a good one, I think y’all are going to like it haha.

oxyswim
Reply to  saltie
15 days ago

He was on the social kick podcast back in February and it was a great episode. He really is a 1 of 1 person and athlete.

About Coleman Hodges

Coleman Hodges

Coleman started his journey in the water at age 1, and although he actually has no memory of that, something must have stuck. A Missouri native, he joined the Columbia Swim Club at age 9, where he is still remembered for his stylish dragon swim trunks. After giving up on …

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