Four-time Australian Olympian Cate Campbell slams social media trolls who claimed she looks 'too old for 32' in candid video

Sky News AU

15-05-2025

Four-time Olympian Cate Campbell has issued a no-nonsense response to trolls who criticised her appearance, saying she looks "too old for 32".
The Malawian-born Australian swimmer sparked the cruel commentary after sharing a bare-faced, makeup-free video on Instagram last Friday.
"I am 32 years old, and I have no idea what I'm supposed to look like," Campbell said in the clip, filmed after a light jog.
Unfortunately, the post received numerous negative comments, many of which included unsolicited advice.
"Girl, I'm sorry but you do look at least 10 years older- start using SPF," one commenter said, racking up more than 500 likes (at time of writing).
Another added: "In the nicest way possible, I'd say you look around 40."
On Wednesday, the eight-time Olympic medallist-turned-media-presenter returned to Instagram to address the backlash in a second video, skewering both the overtly cruel trolls and the so-called "concerned" commenters.
"There was your run-of-the-mill basic b**** trolls, which I kind of expected," she said.
"You look terrible … you look more like 60, 50, 40.
"Then came the 'concerned trolls'," she explained- the ones who tried to justify their disapproval with health advice.
"They couched their horror in concern," Campbell said.
"I got told that I had too much sun exposure, that I should wear SPF, not drink alcohol, avoid sugar, stay in the shade, take antioxidants, live an active lifestyle."
She was even asked whether she smoked, to which she replied: "Um, no."
The swimmer pointed out how this kind of commentary reflects what she believes is a deeper societal problem: the belief that ageing is avoidable if one just tries hard enough.
"And let me tell you, going to four Olympic Games is very stressful- so maybe that has something to do with the wrinkles on my face," she added.
The Brisbane-based swimmer said she refuses to "subscribe" to rigid beauty standards, and thanked her trolls for motivating her to "keep doing all the things that I love".
"This is just my take," she concluded, "and it's that we somehow now view ageing as a choice. And it's just another thing that women have to work very, very hard to avoid."
Her message was met with a flood of praise, with media personality Gus Worland commenting: "You're awesome."
Another supporter added: "I would like to request a new segment – Cate tells it how it is, unfiltered, sweary, and gives a 'middle finger' to those that deserve it!"
Campbell has previously spoken openly about her body image struggles and experience with disordered eating.
In April, she told The Courier-Mail that during her early career, "it was skinniest is best".
"I would see other coaches discussing other athletes, saying 'so-and-so's come back from a break- geez, she's looking heavy'," she said.
"I can remember girls getting told to eat off smaller plates and open discussion around what skinfolds were, and girls having to weigh themselves on pool deck in front of other people."
Campbell, who once kept a calorie-counting diary, said she's worked hard to shift her mindset and focus on healthy living.
"If I am struggling with other things in life, my instinct and desire to control what I eat comes back.
"But I recognise it and I'm like, 'you need more than a carrot for dinner'," she said.
SkyNews.com.au has contacted Campbell for further comment.