Ariarne Titmus’ life outside of swimming, including dating, media profile and fashion
Ariarne Titmus’ swimming career may have come to an end but don’t expect her to be going anywhere. SPECIAL REPORT
Ariarne Titmus may have made her name in swimming but she is leaving just as much of a legacy out of the water.
The Olympic champion today announced her sporting retirement, but there promises to be a lot more to come from Titmus in the future.
We take a look at her life and times out of the water >>>
Family life
Born on September 7, 2000 in Launceston, Tasmania, Titmus moved to Queensland at age 14 to access better swimming opportunities.
Her parents, Steve and Robyn Titmus, have always been her biggest fans.
“My mum and dad have been my biggest supporters. They’ve always been there for me, whether it’s driving me to training or cheering me on at competitions,” she once said.
Growing up with younger sister Mia and half-brother Christopher, Titmus was laser-focused on her swimming.
“I never went to a single party in high school. I never had a boyfriend. I was so focused on swimming that I didn’t have time for anything else,” she said in October 2024.
As his daughter announced her retirement, Steve – the Channel 7 sports reader – revealed he faced the hugely emotional challenge of introducing the news.
“I have had a few challenges in my life and this will be one of them,’’ quipped Titmus who supported his daughter’s decision.
Ariarne’s mother Robyn said it was not her daughter’s initial intention to retire after the Paris Games but things changed when she took a year off after the Games.
Media empire
Titmus has quickly built a profile on our screens and out of the water.
Reality TV: Shark!
Titmus is set to appear in the Nine Network’s celebrity reality series Shark! in 2026.
The show, an Australian adaptation of the ITV reality format, will feature Titmus and other celebrities confronting their fears in shark-infested waters in the Bahamas, known as the “shark capital of the world”.
Guided by shark attack survivor Paul de Gelder, participants will undertake increasingly intense challenges, ranging from swimming in protective cages to open-water encounters with aggressive shark species.
“This is an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and learn something new about myself,” she said.
Channel Nine: Australian Open
In January 2025, Titmus joined Channel Nine’s broadcasting team for the Australian Open, marking her debut as a commentator.
A lifelong tennis fan, Titmus expressed her excitement about the role, stating, “it’s a privilege to be part of the Australian Open in a new capacity and explore opportunities beyond swimming.”
She worked alongside fellow Olympic gold medallist Jess Fox, engaging in activities such as interacting with fans and ball kids. Titmus was also spotted attending matches, including Novak Djokovic’s third-round clash, showcasing her enthusiasm for the sport.
Podcasts
Move Over Mama
Titmus appeared on Season 4, Episode 9 of the Move Over Mama podcast, where she discussed her teenage years and the sacrifices she made to excel in swimming.
The hosts noted her grounded nature despite her achievements. Titmus reflected, “Being a teenager while pursuing an elite career was challenging, but those sacrifices shaped who I am today.”
Inherited
On the Inherited podcast, Titmus delved into her life experiences, including her perspective on her Olympic career and the health challenges she faced before the Paris 2024 Olympics.
She shared, “Four scars changed my outlook on life and swimming, making me realise what truly matters.”
Titmus also discussed balancing her identity with her career, stating, “Winning medals is incredible, but it’s not the entirety of who I am.”
Juiced TV
In 2021, Titmus made a virtual appearance on Juiced TV, a program created for children in hospitals.
During her segment, she shared insights into her swimming journey and encouraged young viewers to pursue their dreams.
Titmus remarked, “No matter where you start, if you work hard and believe in yourself, you can achieve amazing things.”
Love life
Titmus has been known to avoid discussing her personal life in interviews, stating her focus was on swimming during the Olympics.
“I prefer to keep my private life separate from my professional career,” she said.
Kyle Niesler
Titmus was romantically linked to fellow swimmer Kyle Niesler starting in April 2020.
Their relationship was documented through social media posts, though Titmus generally kept it private, especially during major competitions.
Titmus and Niesler occasionally shared glimpses of their relationship online. In February 2022, they visited the Holey Moley Golf Club, where Titmus humorously posted, “Can confirm I’m the superior putt putter,” with a heart emoji.
They also enjoyed a “perfect little getaway” to Noosa. On their one-year anniversary in April 2021, Niesler posted celebratory pictures, to which Titmus responded with a love heart and the comment, “love you.”
Ryan Papenhuyzen
In 2022, rumours circulated about Titmus dating Melbourne Storm player Ryan Papenhuyzen after they were spotted together at Flemington’s Turnbull Stakes Day.
Witnesses described them as “visibly smitten,” but neither confirmed the relationship publicly.
Papenhuyzen later entered a relationship with influencer Emma MacDonald, stating on the Ausmerican Aces podcast, “I am off the market. I’m locked up. It’s very early stages.”
This clarified that any connection with Titmus was speculative.
Mack Powell
Titmus went public with her boyfriend Mack Powell in January 2025 during the Australian Open, where she was working with Channel Nine.
Titmus shared photos of them together at Melbourne Park and said: “It’s our first night out in the wild. We met three months ago and I’m very happy.”
She also mentioned that her presence in Melbourne had increased since their relationship began.
“I feel very lucky to have someone who supports me and makes me smile every day,” she said.
Health challenges
In September 2023, Titmus underwent surgery to remove two benign dermoid tumours from her right ovary, discovered during an MRI scan for a hip injury.
The tumours, each measuring four centimetres, raised concerns about her fertility, which Titmus described as a “scary time.”
She feared losing an ovary, as becoming a mother is her “biggest dream.”
The surgery was successful, and Titmus expressed relief at the timely discovery, stating, “I feel fortunate this was caught early.”
“For the first time, I realised there’s more to life than swimming,” she said.
Inspired by her experience, she went public to raise awareness about women’s health, encouraging open conversations.
Hobbies
Titmus has balanced her swimming career with academic pursuits, while she has also described herself as a “keen foodie” with a love for cooking — a hobby she embraced during lockdown periods.
She is also a fan of tennis, admiring Rafael Nadal for his passion and resilience.
Additionally, Titmus has explored creative hobbies such as knitting, though she admits it hasn’t been her strongest skill.
Fashion and style
Titmus has emerged as a style icon, showcasing her versatility through elegant red carpet looks, chic event wear, and casual ensembles.
Red carpet glamour
Titmus has captivated audiences with her striking red carpet looks. At the 2025 Brownlow Medal, she wore a red backless dress by Mischa Collection, paired with a sleek bun and silver jewellery, earning widespread admiration.
Similarly, she stunned in an all-red gown at the Laureus Sports Awards, solidifying her reputation for bold yet refined choices.
Event chic
At a Tiffany & Co. event, she donned a shimmering pink off-the-shoulder dress with white heels and minimal jewellery.
Her appearance at The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday featured a strapless pink floral dress with red accents, complemented by a matching cap and elegant accessories.
Casual and contemporary
She has been spotted in effortlessly chic outfits, such as an all-blue ensemble and a beige top with blue jeans, showcasing her ability to balance comfort with style.
Themed and playful
Titmus embraces themed fashion, dressing as Sandy from Grease for a charity event supporting Motor Neuron Disease awareness, demonstrating her fun and engaging personality.
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