As a 16-year-old, Clatworthy represented Australia at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.

She competed in the 200-metre and 400-metre individual medley events, advanced to the final of both, and finished fourth and sixth, respectively.

At the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland, she won her first silver in the women's 400-metre individual medley, finishing behind fellow Australian Suzie Landells.

[2] Four years later when Auckland, New Zealand hosted the 1990 Commonwealth Games, she qualified for both individual medley events.

[2] Clatworthy is married to fellow Australian Olympic swimmer Glen Housman.