Mollie O'Callaghan Aims to Break 200 Freestyle Record

Mollie O'Callaghan has set her sights on the long course 200 meters freestyle world record.

What's at stake?

The 22-year-old Olympic champion aims to become the first woman in history to swim under 1:52.00.

Recent performance

O'Callaghan won the event on the final night of the Australian Open on the Gold Coast in a time of 1:53.69.

Competition

She beat club mate Lani Pallister, New Zealand's Erika Fairweather, and Milla Jansen.

Training and mindset

O'Callaghan has been working with a psychologist and credits her support team for her progress. She said: "I don't like to put the pressure on myself, but definitely, I would love to go a 1:51." O'Callaghan currently holds the women's 200m short course world record with a time of 1:49.36.

Upcoming events

She will compete in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the Pan Pacs in Irvine, and LA28. O'Callaghan had already won the 100m freestyle at the Australian Open in 52.66. She was also part of the St Peters Western team that broke the 4x100m freestyle relay Australian Club Record.

Record pursuit

O'Callaghan's best time is 1:52.48, the second fastest time ever, achieved when she finished second to Ariarne Titmus at the 2024 Paris Olympic Trials in Brisbane. Titmus set the current world record of 1:52.23. O'Callaghan is determined to break the record, saying: "I think that's in my sights right now and that's giving me the drive.