Cate resides in Brisbane, Queensland, and speaks English. She pursued higher education in Communications and Media Studies at the Queensland University of Technology. Her early exposure to swimming came from her mother, which laid the foundation for her future success.

Career Highlights

Cate's most memorable sporting achievement is breaking the 100m freestyle world record. She has been influenced greatly by her coach, Simon Cusack, and looks up to Australian swimmers Susie O'Neill and Grant Hackett as her idols. Cate's sister, Bronte Campbell, is also an accomplished swimmer who has represented Australia in multiple Olympic Games.

Challenges and Injuries

Cate has faced several injuries throughout her career. She developed a hernia in June 2016 but still competed in the Rio Olympics. In September 2014, she underwent shoulder surgery. She also suffered from glandular fever and chronic fatigue syndrome after the 2008 Olympics, which kept her out of action for two years.

Awards and Honours

Cate has received numerous awards and honours. She was named Sportswoman of the Year at the 2018 Australia Woman in Sports Awards and won the Comeback of the Year Award after taking a break post-2016 Olympics. In 2014, she was inducted into the Australian Path of Champions and awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.

Personal Struggles

In November 2021, Cate released a book co-authored with her sister Bronte titled 'Sister Secrets: Life Lessons from the Pool to the Podium'. The book addresses issues like body shaming among swimming coaches and mental health struggles. Cate revealed that she was diagnosed with depression in July 2020 and sought medical help before the Tokyo Olympics.

Future Plans

The postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics made Cate consider targeting the 2024 Paris Olympics. She is evaluating her mental and physical readiness for another Olympic run.

Advocacy and Rediscovery

In November 2018, Cate had a mole removed that had developed into stage one melanoma. She became an ambassador for the Melanoma Institute Australia in February 2019. After a disappointing performance at the Rio Olympics, Cate took a break but returned to full-time training in September 2017 with renewed passion for swimming.

Cate Campbell's journey is a testament to resilience and dedication. Her story continues to inspire many in the world of sports.