Tokyo Olympics 2021: Mollie O’Callaghan’s mum questions selectors of 4x200m team

The mum of one of our rising swimming stars has questioned selectors after the teenager was dumped from the 4x200m final today despite setting a blistering time in the semi.

The mother of Mollie O’Callaghan has questioned selectors for leaving her daughter out of today’s 4x200m relay final.

Toni O’Callaghan says it makes “no sense to us” as to why the 17-year-old swimming sensation – who broke the junior world record in the heats – would be left to cheer from the grandstands for the final.

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Mollie O'Callaghan has been left out of the 4x200m final. Picture: Adam Head

In the biggest selection controversy of the games Australian officials have been confident enough to leave one of the team’s fastest freestylers out of the team.

The Aussies are all but nailed on to bring on the gold in the event, most likely in world record time.

O’Callaghan, who led the relay in the heats, knocked a whole second off her previous best time.

“It makes no sense to us but you have to trust the process,” Mrs O’Callaghan said.

“It’s really hard to explain to supporters and family why and how they pick the final four.”

Mrs O’Callagahan said she had received non-stop phone calls and messages about the selection process.

She said they always knew their daughter would perform well at the Games.

“I knew Mollie was going to give it everything,” she said.

“She is young and shy but does not falter in her determination to get the result she sets for herself.

“Her family and the community here are all backing her, the screaming was insane.”

If the relay team does finish in the top three, O’Callaghan will still be awarded a medal after the official presentation.

Ariarne Titmus will lead the team off, giving her another chance at breaking the individual world record for 200m after she narrowly missed it while winning the gold yesterday.

Emma McKeon will go second followed by Madi Wilson and Leah Neale.

Originally published as Tokyo Olympics 2021: Mollie O’Callaghan’s mum questions selectors of 4x200m team