There was nary a dry eye when young Mollie O’Callaghan took to the Olympic podium during Paris 2024, graciously sharing her gold medal moment with runner-up and teammate Ariarne Titmus.
The humble champion, who has been in the pool since she was three years old, endeared herself to the public even more when she credited her success to her parents.
Already a superstar, Mollie is merely at the start of what is sure to be a memorable sporting career. Here is everything we know about the record-breaking swimmer.
How old is Mollie O’Callaghan?
Impressively, Mollie is only 20 years old.
She was born on 2 April 2004 and is currently one of the youngest members of the Australian swim team.
Who are Mollie O’Callaghan’s parents?
Ever supportive, Mollie’s parents – Nick and Toni – have helped the 20-year-old meet her dreams from day one.
Based in the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Nick and Toni travelled to Paris with their daughter for the 2024 Olympics – cheering her on from the stands.
In a post-race interview, an emotional Mollie thanked her parents for their support throughout the years.
“I swim mainly for them,” Mollie told swimming legend Giaan Rooney through tears.
“They’ve put a lot of time and dedication into my swimming and as a child, so I wouldn’t be here without them.
The champion’s mother Toni later told Nine that she never doubted Mollie coming into the Olympics.
“’I knew she had it in her,” she said. “She has learnt to hold her nerve….we are so happy and proud.”
Where does Mollie O’Callaghan train?
Beginning her swimming journey at the age of four, Mollie began competing at seven.
Since 2019, she has trained with Dean Boxall’s St Peter’s Western squad.
That same year, the now Olympic champion was selected as part of Australia’s World Junior Championships team in Budapest.
How many medals does Mollie have?
During the World Junior Champions in 2019, Mollie and the 4x100m freestyle relay team won a silver medal.
Two years later, the swimmer was selected for the Australian team at the Tokyo Olympics where she won two golds in heat swims, and a bronze in the 4x200m freestyle.
The Queensland-born swimmer has also won five gold medals and two silver medals in the Commonwealth Games, and individual titles at the 2023 World Championships.
During Paris 2024, Mollie set a new Olympic record in the women’s 200m freestyle, taking gold.
Meanwhile, her teammate Ariarne Titmus grabbed silver.
It was the first one-two finish for Australia since Mollie’s birth-year in 2004, when Ian Thorpe and Grant Hackett achieved the same feat.
Following the victory, Mollie shared a statement on Instagram.
“This is what dreams are made of,” she wrote.
“This is something I’ve dreamt of achieving since I was small, and to be able to say I did it is such an amazing moment I will cherish forever
“I am so honoured to be able to swim for my country and alongside so many other strong talented women.”
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
