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The March 14 edition

Perhaps the most crucial moment in Mollie O’Callaghan’s swimming career was not when she won Olympic gold, nor when she equalled Ian Thorpe’s record 11 world titles, or even when she began breaking world records in the 200-metre freestyle. The crucial turning point was when she was just 14 and a funding cut meant she might have to abandon the sport. While O’Callaghan has “a different background” to a lot of elite swimmers, as she herself notes in today’s profile, her parents rallied, fundraising with meat raffles and barbecues to ensure she was able to continue competing. That same dogged determination has clearly played a large part in their daughter’s subsequent success. “Dogged determination” is also the phrase that comes to mind when reading our story about the Australian filmmakers who documented Mongolia’s annual winter horse migration. Temperatures of –50C, no communication with the outside world and wolves were among the challenges. Similar grit is evident in the work being done in Ukraine to fit soldiers and civilians, injured by Russian missile and drone attacks, with prosthetic limbs. The patients are recovering from devastating wounds – and their resilience is profoundly moving. – Melissa Stevens, editor

13 stories
“She really gets herself worked up, but she fights that and uses that as motivation,” says O’Callaghan’s coach Dean Boxall

She nearly quit the pool at 14. Now, Mollie’s the face of a new Australian era

World champion freestyler Mollie O’Callaghan on overcoming panic attacks, social media scares – and proving coach Dean Boxall wrong.

  • Tom Decent
Index image for March 14 GW story on Ukrainian “Superhumans”

The terrible need that propelled Ukraine to the top of this market

In treating tens of thousands of civilians and soldiers maimed by Russian bombs, specialists in robotics are rebuilding lives – and pushing medical limits.

  • David Crowe
The dying yak outside the filmmakers’ Mongolian tent, or ger.

Moviemaking at -50 degrees: The Australian film crew that survived one of the world’s deadliest winters

Documenting the annual winter migration of thousands of horses in Mongolia proved just as tough a test for the Australian filmmakers as for the herders and their animals themselves.

  • Garry Maddox
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Adelle (left) and Claudia Frittitta: “They say people die twice: once when they die, and again when people stop talking about them,” Adelle says. “I want to keep Nonna and Nonno alive.”

‘She’s played a big role in shaping who I am’: How a 15-year age gap impacts a sibling relationship

Art teacher Adelle Frittitta was 15 when her sister, Claudia, now an illustrator, was born. Today, the pair are collaborators and best friends.

  • Dani Valent
Matt Okine:

Matt was 12 when he came home to find his mother collapsed in the shower. She died just weeks later

The comedian, actor, musician and author Matt Okine on life priorities, facing tragedy at a young age – and an unexpected political passion project.

  • Benjamin Law

The four clichés to avoid when consoling a grieving friend

You can’t fix a person’s pain, says Australia’s “grief lady” – but there are ways to avoid adding to it.

  • Gay Alcorn
Actor Ella Balinska goes for the classic tux at a recent awards show.

Why forcing your teenager into a dress is a fashion disaster waiting to happen

For most formal occasions, there are alternatives for an adolescent who rails against dress-code edicts.

  • Damien Woolnough

Is it bad luck to throw out my old Bible?

Modern Guru hears your concern: most of us can, occasionally, be struck down with a chronic bout of the Just-In-Cases.

  • Danny Katz
Advertisement

Wardrobe items for unpredictable weather from $12

When the forecast can’t make up its mind, smart layers and adaptable staples are the key to seamless style.

  • Kim Wilson
Helen Goh's pear and caramel self-saucing pudding.

Treat yourself to this self-saucing pudding on the couch on a Saturday night

There’s something incredibly comforting about eating warm food with a spoon at the end of a hard day (or week).

  • 1-2 hrs
  • Helen Goh
The room buzzes during the burlesque performance.
14/20

‘Outstanding value’: A two-course dinner and a show (with a bit of skin on show) for $69

Le Bar Supper Club brings theatrical drinks and burlesque nights to a bayside suburb better known for its golf.

  • Dani Valent
14.5/20

Callan Boys thought Sydney might never have a hotel bar like London or NY. Until now

You know, the kind of place to take a lunch meeting or swing by for a martini, making you forget you’re going on to somewhere else. Plus, it has the most lavish chip in town.

  • Callan Boys
GW Quiz index image for March 14

Test your general knowledge with the Good Weekend quiz

Trivia buffs: can you get a perfect score in the interactive superquiz?

Other editions

The June 13 edition

Our next football superstar is here | Capturing beauty in 360-degree detail | A planner and protester on bridging differences | Tasma Walton on dicey topics

  • 10 stories

The June 6 edition

The Style Edit | Cinema icon Tony Leung | Kate Ceberano on staying in the game | Vintage fashion’s new moment | Sartorial tricks from the celebrity realm

  • 16 stories