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The national swimming federation has acted to suppress described as “fabricated stories” and “false comments” attributed to swimmer Mollie O’Callaghan concerning trans swimmer Lia Thomas.

Online Posts Circulate False Claims

Remarks attributed to O’Callaghan but not shared from her online platforms has appeared in content on the social media site Facebook, as well as on the platform X, and claimed the elite athlete would boycott in the 2028 Olympics if a trans athlete is permitted to compete.

The quote falsely attributed to O’Callaghan included a provocative remark that “competing in the same pool with Lia Thomas is truly an disgrace and a embarrassment”.

Official Statement from Swimming Australia

The organization backed the Olympic champion in a announcement titled with “fake quotes attributed to Australian team member Mollie O’Callaghan”.

“At present, there are fabricated quotes credited to team member Mollie O’Callaghan seen on social media posts,” the federation said on Sunday.

“Never has O’Callaghan given an interview and given remarks on trans swimmers.

“The platform has been informed of the fabricated stories, and O’Callaghan and the federation have demanded the items to be taken down.”

Latest Developments and Context

Posts that feature the statement linked to O’Callaghan were still circulating on the platform on the following day, while a company representative commented that “we are reviewing the demand”.

Swimming Australia refused to give further comment.

United States transgender athlete Lia Thomas is prohibited from participating in the women’s events under current governing body regulations and was unable to challenge the regulations in the lead up to the Paris Olympics.

The governing body introduced rules in 2022 which ban anyone who has experienced “any part of male development” from the women’s division.

Regarding Mollie O’Callaghan

O’Callaghan is a five-fold gold medal winner after outpacing compatriot Ariarne Titmus in the 200-meter freestyle championship race at the Paris event along with contributing to several team victories.

O’Callaghan secured a freestyle world title to her achievements in Tokyo in the summer.

O’Callaghan was participating in a international event in Indiana recently and defeated the field by a significant margin to win the 200-meter event in a record time of 1:50.77.