In a shocking twist that has stunned the sports world, swimming coach Dean Boxall has revealed the true identity of the stalker who terrorized Olympic champion Mollie O’Callaghan. The man behind the attacks was identified as Nathan Cole, a 34-year-old former pool maintenance worker.
The revelation sent shockwaves through the Australian sporting community, as reports confirm Nathan had been following Mollie for months — leaving threatening letters, showing up near her training sessions, and even attempting to contact her family through fake social media accounts.
According to Dean Boxall, the situation had escalated dangerously in recent weeks. “He wasn’t just some random fan,” Boxall said. “He knew her schedule, her routes, even the places she liked to eat. It was terrifying for everyone involved.”
Mollie O’Callaghan, one of Australia’s brightest swimming stars, had noticed the strange presence earlier this year. At first, she dismissed it as coincidence — but soon, the notes began appearing in her locker, each one becoming more obsessive and aggressive over time.
Sources close to the swimmer revealed that one of the letters demanded that she “respond” to him or face consequences. The tone of the messages grew darker, suggesting violent intent. Security at the training facility was immediately tightened, but the stalker continued to evade detection.
The shocking part came when security footage from a nearby parking lot captured Nathan Cole loitering near the pool complex at 5:30 a.m., just before Mollie’s early morning training. He appeared to be waiting, holding what looked like a folded letter in his hand.
When the footage surfaced, Dean Boxall reportedly exploded in anger. “I don’t care who he is — he crossed the line,” Boxall told reporters. “Mollie deserves to train in peace, not live in fear of a coward hiding in the shadows.”
Police confirmed Nathan Cole had been under quiet surveillance for several days before being detained. When officers raided his apartment, they found dozens of unsent letters, photographs of Mollie from various public events, and a notebook filled with disturbing fantasies about “owning” her.
Fans across social media reacted in disbelief. Hashtags like #JusticeForMollie and #DeanBoxallHero trended globally within hours of the announcement. Thousands of supporters flooded Mollie’s Instagram with messages of love and solidarity, demanding stronger laws to protect athletes from stalkers.
One insider at the swimming facility described the atmosphere as “haunted.” Teammates were afraid to leave the building alone, and training sessions had to be temporarily relocated. “It’s something none of us thought could happen in a place we always felt safe,” said one swimmer.
Dean Boxall, known for his fiery passion during competitions, became emotional while addressing reporters. “I’m angry, but mostly heartbroken. Mollie is like family to me. To know someone invaded her world this way makes me sick,” he said, visibly shaken.
Authorities later revealed Nathan Cole had a history of obsessive behavior toward public figures. In 2019, he was briefly questioned for sending disturbing emails to another Australian athlete but was never charged. This time, the evidence was undeniable.
Mollie O’Callaghan has since been placed under private security protection while continuing her preparation for the upcoming World Championships. Despite the trauma, sources say she’s determined not to let fear define her. “She’s shaken, but she’s strong,” Boxall told reporters.
Psychologists say cases like this highlight the growing problem of celebrity stalking fueled by social media access. “When fans believe they have a personal connection, obsession can turn dangerous,” said Dr. Alicia Freeman, an expert in behavioral psychology.
Meanwhile, the details of Nathan Cole’s interrogation paint a disturbing picture. According to leaked police documents, he claimed he was “in love” with Mollie and believed they were “destined to be together.” His delusions escalated when she “ignored” him, triggering rage.
The chilling confession reportedly included statements about how he “planned to meet her alone” at the pool one morning — a scenario that could have ended in tragedy. Investigators described the case as one of the most serious stalking threats in Australian sports history.
Public outrage continues to grow as fans demand accountability from facility managers who allegedly ignored early warning signs. Some staff members now admit they saw Nathan near the premises multiple times but assumed he was a harmless spectator.
Boxall has vowed to fight for stricter protection policies. “No athlete should ever have to look over their shoulder just to practice their sport,” he said. “We need real change, not just sympathy after something happens.”
Mollie’s legal team is reportedly working with law enforcement to ensure a restraining order remains in place indefinitely. Nathan Cole is currently being held without bail, charged with harassment, criminal intimidation, and unauthorized surveillance.
In the days following the revelation, Mollie’s fans have rallied behind her with an outpouring of support. Messages from fellow athletes, including Ariarne Titmus and Kaylee McKeown, describe Mollie as “a fighter” and “a beacon of strength in dark times.”
Media outlets across the world continue to cover the scandal, turning it into one of the most-discussed sports controversies of the year. Some commentators are even calling it a wake-up call for the entire sports industry to better protect its stars.
Despite the chaos, Dean Boxall remains defiant and fiercely protective. “He tried to break her spirit,” Boxall said, referring to Cole. “But he failed. Mollie will come back stronger — and the world will see her triumph again.”
As investigations continue, fans and journalists alike are praising Boxall for his courage and transparency. Many believe his decision to reveal the stalker’s identity prevented future harm and empowered other athletes facing similar threats to speak out.
In the end, this terrifying ordeal has exposed the darker side of fame — where admiration turns into obsession, and success attracts danger. Yet, through courage and unity, Mollie O’Callaghan and Dean Boxall have proven that even in fear, heroes rise.
