Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE starting June 12 2026

Aussie swimmer out of hospital

Australian open water swimmer Kareena Lee is out of hospital after collapsing following her 20th placing in the 10km world titles final in Russia.

Australian open water swimmer Kareena Lee has been released from hospital after collapsing following her gutsy 10km world titles effort in Russia on Tuesday.

Teammate Chelsea Gubecka, 16, narrowly missed out on a top-10 finish in Kazan that would have earned Rio Olympic qualification.

However, Gubecka's frustrating 13th placing was overshadowed by Lee's post-match drama.

Lee - an asthmatic - complained of shortness of breath before collapsing moments after finishing 20th.

Australian open water head coach Ron McKeon said Lee was taken to hospital for observation and was released after three hours.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

He said she walked out of hospital with management before heading back to the team hotel on Tuesday night.

"She was doing an interview when she gasped for breath and complained that she was having trouble breathing," a Swimming Australia statement said.

"Her legs felt like jelly and she was immediately assisted by Australian team staff who were on the spot.

"She was then immediately attended to by Kazan and FINA medical staff and taken to hospital for observation.

"Australian officials expect her to make a full recovery."

Lee was making her world titles debut.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world