Swimming Body Takes Action to Halt Fabricated Comments Attributed to Star Swimmer Mollie O’Callaghan
Swimming Australia has moved to stop labeled as “fake news” and “false comments” linked to Olympic champion Mollie O’Callaghan about trans swimmer Lia Thomas.
Social Media Content Circulate False Statements
A comment linked to O’Callaghan but not posted from her online platforms has been seen in content on Meta platform Facebook, as well as on X, and claimed the elite athlete would not participate in the 2028 Olympics if a transgender swimmer is cleared to compete.
These words incorrectly linked to O’Callaghan featured a controversial remark that “competing in the same pool with Lia Thomas is truly an affront and a shame”.
Official Statement from Swimming Australia
The national body supported the gold medalist in a announcement titled with “fabricated comments linked to Dolphin Mollie O’Callaghan”.
“Currently, we see fabricated quotes linked to Dolphin Mollie O’Callaghan seen on social media posts,” the federation announced on Sunday.
“At no stage has O’Callaghan given an interview and made statements on trans swimmers.
“Meta has been informed of the fabricated stories, and O’Callaghan and Swimming Australia have requested the items to be taken down.”
Latest Developments and Background
Content that include the comment credited to O’Callaghan were still visible on the platform on Monday, while a platform official stated that “we are reviewing the appeal”.
The organization did not offer additional statements.
United States trans swimmer Lia Thomas is banned from participating in the women’s events under present international swimming guidelines and was unable to challenge the rules in the run-up to the Olympic event.
The international federation enacted rules in recent years which forbid anyone who has undergone “any part of male puberty” from the female category.
About Mollie O’Callaghan
O’Callaghan is a five-time champion after beating compatriot Ariarne Titmus in the 200-meter freestyle final at the Paris event along with being part of four relay team triumphs.
The 21-year-old added a 200-meter freestyle world title to her honours in Tokyo in the summer.
O’Callaghan was racing in a World Cup competition in the United States last weekend and outpaced the competitors by almost two seconds to claim the women’s 200m freestyle in a record time of one minute 50.77 seconds.
