My Story

I will always maintain my innocence. 

In 2019, my world was turned upside down due to allegations of using a prohibited substance in my sport.

Despite a lifetime of competing clean and knowing that I had not used any prohibited substance, my life changed in an instant, and I was thrust into an unknown world of lawyers, politics, and machinations that was utterly foreign to me. The process has been extremely arduous and debilitating at times.
Many aspects of the anti-doping system are seriously flawed, but the worst element is the presumption of guilt that one has to bear. What sort of system infers that you are guilty of an alleged breach and places the responsibility on you to prove your innocence?

Now, though, I can reflect on the journey from a place of triumph. I fought for my career and reputation, reclaimed my position as a member of the Australian swim team, and have since achieved success on the world stage.
In 2022, I returned to international competition stronger than ever, winning a gold medal as part of the Australian 4x100m freestyle relay team at the World Championships in Budapest. This victory was more than a medal; it symbolized my resilience and determination to overcome adversity.

The following year, I reached new heights by securing multiple medals at the 2023 World Championships, showcasing that my fight for redemption and excellence in the pool was never in vain. These accomplishments culminated in an unforgettable moment at the Paris Olympics in 2024, where I proudly represented my country and helped bring home gold for Australia.

However, regaining my team membership and the opportunity to compete was not my sole objective. Throughout this ordeal, I have learned a considerable amount about myself. I discovered that the purest pursuit for me was my sport of swimming. I understood that my individuality and uniqueness were the grounds for my strength. My resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to the truth have been profoundly tested and reaffirmed.

I also became deeply aware of the importance of positive mental health and the strength of a positive mind. My belief in who I am and what I stand for has been fortified, and my understanding of how my story can inspire others has been cemented.

Not everyone will face the kind of battle I did—challenging a flawed system and being ostracized for something they did not do. But if you find yourself in such a situation, stand up and fight. Know that your honour will always be defended if you tell the truth.

Through perseverance, belief, and a refusal to give up, I reclaimed my career and my identity and joy in the sport I love.