Mollie O’Callaghan had a dream race at the Paris Olympics.
But her incredible winning streak left the Australian swimmer suffering panic attacks.
The 20-year-old took home five medals, beating teammate Ariarne Titmus to gold in the women’s 200m freestyle, as well as gold in the 100m and 200m freestyle races, silver in the 100m medley and bronze in the 100m mixed medley.
Despite being one of Australia’s most decorated Olympians, Mollie tells this week’s issue of Star Magazine who had moments where he suffered a crisis of faith.
“The night before the 200m freestyle I felt more nervous than ever. I had a small anxiety attack. I couldn’t breathe,” she said.
‘I felt there was a lot of pressure and expectations to perform, especially being a world record holder.
“Deep down I know that no matter what happens, everyone will be proud of me. But there are times when it becomes a bit too much.”
Mollie admits that she overthinks and has to work mentally to resist her negative thoughts.
Mollie O’Callaghan (pictured by Stellar) had a dream run at the Paris Olympics. But her incredible winning streak sent the Australian swimmer into panic attacks.
“I think about things too much and it’s hard for me to switch off. But I love swimming. I do it because I really love it,” she said.
“I have to think about the positive things and use the tactics that my psychologist helps me with. All those little things help me get to that point.”
The golden girl previously gave an emotional interview following her success at the Paris Olympics, revealing her disappointment with some of her results.
The Australian swimming team won seven golds, eight silvers and three bronzes in the Paris swimming pool.
The country’s swimming team won 21 medals in total in Tokyo, 20 at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and also 18 at the 2000 Sydney Games.
O’Callaghan was the country’s most successful swimmer in Paris.
Still, Mollie felt she had let the country down and held back tears when asked if she was proud of her performance in Paris.
“Part of me does, and part of me doesn’t,” he said. News Corporation.
‘It’s all good, but I think it’s difficult because there are so many good things and so many bad things.
‘In the end, you just have to be positive because many people don’t get the chance to get on the podium.’
O’Callaghan was the country’s most successful swimmer in Paris, winning three golds, one silver and one bronze.
Read more in this week’s issue of Stellar Magazine