'In the end you will be unbreakable': Mollie O'Callaghan's heartwarming admission

Mollie O'Callaghan has admitted she is "proud" of her performances in the pool at this week's Australian trials amid personal struggles after she made a statement in the 100-metre freestyle final.

The 21-year-old set the tone for the next generation of stars on Friday night as she clocked a winning time of 52.87 seconds to expand her program for the Singapore world championships, taking place between July 28 and August 3.

Olivia Wunsch, 19, finished second in 53.38 to also qualify for the world titles in the 100m freestyle.

READ MORE: 'Barely touched him': Gus fumes over 'outrageous' Bunker call

READ MORE: 'It sucks': Another DQ hits Australian trials as Olympian pinged

READ MORE: Champions knocked out in thrilling finish to semi

Meg Harris clocked the fastest time of the 100m freestyle heats on Friday morning, but the Paris 2024 silver medallist but opted out of the final to focus on Saturday's 50m freestyle.

O'Callaghan admitted post-race that she needed to adopt a "nicer" approach when analysing her performances at major events.

In a raw interview on the Nine broadcast on Wednesday night, the Paris 2024 gold medallist broke down in tears.

The Logan product hinted that the weight of expectation that had come with her world-conquering feats was proving too much.

Some words of encouragement from Cate Campbell, who conducted the interview, followed O'Callaghan's outpouring of emotion.

On Friday night, there was a feel-good lightness about the Queenslander as she spoke to Giaan Rooney.

"This is probably my fourth 100m of the season for freestyle and it was definitely a tough one," O'Callaghan said on Nine.

"I've got to be a little bit nicer to myself with the lead-up that I've had to this point.

"I think to step up and race this meet and try to compete for another worlds after having a big break, an injury and lots of other little things thrown at me, I am pretty proud of myself to get to this point.

Watch the 2025 Australian swimming trials live and free on Nine and 9Now, taking place from June 9-14.

"I think when you are at your weakest it is always worth it to step up because you end up stronger in the end. You leave everything on the floor and you only gain knowledge.

"It just shows your mentality, that no matter what is thrown at you in the end you will be unbreakable."

Post-Olympic blues are not uncommon, with several athletes openly discussing their journey back to normality this week.

"There are other people here at this meet who I've watched go through similar things and they have done exactly that [show resilience]," O'Callaghan continued.

"I am pretty proud of them for doing it and I draw inspiration from them.

"To be honest, I also [draw inspiration] from my coach Dean [Boxall]. I give him a bit of a tough time. I'm crying a lot and I'm a bit of a mess, but he has always stood by me.

"It's good to always go to him for knowledge, and my support team have been looking after me this entire time."