‘What a swim’: Mollie O’Callaghan secures gold and Olympic record in women’s 200m freestyle

Swimming sensation Mollie O’Callaghan has secured Australia’s fifth gold medal of the Paris Olympic Games with a thrilling win in the women’s 200m freestyle.

Starting in fifth place, O’Callaghan climbed to third at the final turn and unleashed a powerful final lap to finish with an Olympic record time of 1:53.27.

Ariarne Titmus, who claimed gold in the 400m freestyle on Saturday night, was fourth after the first lap but advanced to second on the second lap and maintained that position, finishing with a time of 1:53.81.

This victory marks O’Callaghan’s first individual Olympic gold medal.

“I can’t explain it, there’s no way to explain it,” O’Callaghan said following her victory.

“I’m swimming for the country … this medal is for my support team, my coach, my family. It’s not just for me.

“There was a whole village behind me getting me to this point, so I’m very thankful to have them.”

Dominant duo in the 200m Freestyle 🏊‍♀️

Mollie O’Callaghan wins her first individual Olympic gold and sets a new Olympic Record in 1:53.27 🥇

World Record holder Ariarne Titmus wins silver in 1:53.81 🥈#AllezAUS | @swimmingaus | @dolphinsaus pic.twitter.com/MbMz4SxbEn

— AUS Olympic Team (@AUSOlympicTeam) July 29, 2024

Although Titmus fell short of becoming the first swimmer to successfully defend Olympic titles in both the 200m and 400m freestyles, she remained gracious in defeat, extending her congratulations to her fellow Australian.

“I know what it’s like to be Olympic champion and I’m honestly so happy for her,” Titmus said.

Fans were equally happy for O’Callaghan who were quick to offer their messages of congratulations on her “incredible gold medal performance”.

What a swim from Mollie 🙌🏽🏊‍♀️🥇

— Sport on 𝕏 (@SportHistoryX) July 29, 2024

Congratulations👏👏👏Champions🥇🥈💛💚💖

@SwimmingAUS #OlympicGames #Paris2024

— Isabella Koldras (@IsabellaKoldras) July 29, 2024

Congratulations Molly…IT’S GOLD!!! 🏅

— 💧Deb 🌱🌏🔥 (@DebFOPA) July 29, 2024

Congratulations to Mollie O’Callaghan on her incredible gold medal performance and new Olympic record in the women’s 200m freestyle! 🎉 Kudos also to Ariarne Titmus for silver and Siobhan Haughey for bronze. What a fantastic display of talent!

— Mahrukh Zahid (@mahrukhzahid46) July 29, 2024

Mollie O’Callaghan killed it! Aussie pride all the way! 🇦🇺🥇

— Subhajit Bhar (@SubhajitBhar_) July 29, 2024

That’s awesome! Australia is killing it in swimming. Mollie O’Callaghan did great!

— Subhajit Bhar (@SubhajitBhar_) July 29, 2024

O’Callaghan’s Olympic gold adds to her three relay golds – two at the Tokyo Games three years ago and the 4x100m freestyle in Paris on Saturday, July 27.

-with AAP.