O'Callaghan’s Near-Miss Keeps Thorpe’s Record Intact at 2025 Worlds
Australian swimming sensation Mollie O’Callaghan came heartbreakingly close to making history at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, narrowly missing out on what would have been a record-breaking 12th world title. The 21-year-old finished second in the women’s 100m freestyle, just 0.12 seconds behind Dutch swimmer Marrit Steenbergen, who touched the wall at 52.55 seconds.
Had she won, O’Callaghan would’ve surpassed Australian legend Ian Thorpe to become the country’s most decorated swimmer in world championship history. Instead, she remains tied with Thorpe at 11 gold medals. And yet, despite falling short of gold, her performance was still viewed as a triumph, considering the intensity of her program and the weight of expectation she carried.
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Looking visibly exhausted after the race, O’Callaghan admitted she was “very tired” and acknowledged the toll her schedule had taken. "I've said it a thousand times — I haven't had the greatest prep toward this,” she told reporters. “To do what I did tonight and last night and the night before, I’m pretty proud.” She added that just making the podium was something she never takes for granted.
This week alone, O’Callaghan helped Australia to victory in the 4x200m freestyle relay, adding to her growing legacy. And with two more relay events still ahead, the chance to break Thorpe’s record outright is still alive. Thorpe himself praised O’Callaghan’s grit and maturity, saying she’s already established herself as one of the greats and is “creating a legacy” in the sport.
Elsewhere in Singapore, Australia’s young men’s 4x200m freestyle team picked up a hard-earned bronze medal, finishing just behind Great Britain and China. The team, composed entirely of swimmers in their early twenties, has been seen as a bright sign for Australia’s future, particularly as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics come into focus.
Cameron McEvoy also turned heads by clocking the fastest time of the year in the 50m freestyle semi-final, despite taking a breath near the end — something rarely seen in that race. Meanwhile, Kaylee McKeown continued her strong showing, qualifying for the final in the 200m backstroke.
With five gold medals apiece, Australia and the United States are locked in a tight battle in the overall medal standings, though the US currently leads with a greater total medal count. Still, for Australia, much of the spotlight remains on O’Callaghan — a swimmer not just chasing medals, but building a story that could one day rival the legends of the sport.
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