Mollie O'Callaghan Wins Five Medals at Paris Olympics

Mollie O'Callaghan, the Australian swimmer who achieved remarkable success at the Paris 2024 Olympics with five medals, including three golds, candidly spoke about her struggles with anxiety during the Games. Despite her impressive performance, which made her the most successful Australian athlete of the event, O'Callaghan experienced panic attacks, particularly before the 200m freestyle trials. She shared her feelings of pressure and the mental toll of expectations, stating that it often became overwhelming. After the Olympics, she took a family holiday to Venice, reflecting on her sudden rise to fame and the importance of normalcy. O'Callaghan emphasized the need for open discussions about mental health in sports, acknowledging that it's okay to feel nervous and to express those feelings. Her story highlights the ongoing conversation about the impact of mental health on athletes, regardless of their success.