Tokyo Olympics 2021: Ariarne Titmus wins silver in 800m freestyle, Ledecky gets gold

Ariarne Titmus’ Olympic battle with Katie Ledecky has come to an end after the Aussie fell just short of a golden triple in the 800m freestyle final.

Double gold Olympic medallist Ariarne Titmus has won a ‘bonus’ silver medal, with her fast finishing burst a few strokes shy of causing a major upset in the Olympic 800m freestyle final.

Katie Ledecky, the 1500m Tokyo Olympic gold medalist and 800m freestyle world record holder, was able to hang on after leading for the entire race, despite Titmus coming home fast.

Titmus, who mowed down Ledecky in the 400m freestyle final earlier in the week, nearly did it again.

But Ledecky was able to claim her second individual gold medal in a time of 8mins 12.57, about eight seconds shy of her own world record, while Titmus rocketed up the all time rankings with a personal best time of 8mins 13.83s.

The Italian champion Simona Quadarella won the bronze in 8min18.35.

Australia’s Kia Melverton was sixth in 8min 22.25s.

Titmus said the 800m had a tough field.

“We’re all around the same time at the moment, obviously Katy Ledecky’s world record is insane. I knew we’d all be at the same pace. I knew I had to hurt tonight. I tried to hold on, I’m not sure I did that, I tried to reel her in,” She told Channel 7.

Katie Ledecky set the 800m world record at 16-years old in 2013: 8:13:86.
Today, someone finally broke that record: Ariarne Titmus swam 8:13:83.
Now, Ledecky has swam faster than that 23 times over the past 8 years. But someone finally caught 16-Year Old Katie!!!

— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) July 31, 2021

Ariarne Titmus shows off her silver medal from the women’s 800m freestyle final. Picture: Alex Coppel

Titmus, who will leave Tokyo as a double gold medallist, a double silver medalist and a bronze medalist said she was relieved to have completed her campaign.

“Oh, it’s good to be finished now. Surely I don’t have to keep training, surely not. I’m really relieved I was able to perform here when it mattered and I’m looking forward to a good break now,” She said.

Ledecky acknowledged Titmus immediately after the race.

“I am really thrilled to have the competition to fuel me,” Ledecky said.

“I know it fuels her (Ariarne) as well. I hope I can keep up and stay competitive.”

Titmus in action during the final. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Ledecky said it was thrilling to have won the third showdown at these games between her and Titmus, after the Australian won the much-hyped 200m and 400m freestyle events in Tokyo.

“I knew she was going to be lurking there the whole time,” she said of the 1500m race.

“I could see her the whole way, try to keep tabs on her and try to just inch my way out a bit - each 50m.

“I knew we had to have a little gap. I tried to swim a smart race. It was a fast field.”

Ledecky praised the efforts of Titmus, saying they had a civil relationship despite media hype around an unfriendly rivalry.

“It’s awesome, we are really friendly, it’s amazing what she has accomplished this week as well,” she said.

Titmus will now head back home on a charter flight to Howard Springs in the Northern Territory.

Once she is out of quarantine and can return to her Queensland home she faces a hero’s welcome, and also preparations for her 21st birthday in September.

USA's Katie Ledecky reacts after winning gold in the final of the women's 800m freestyle. Picture: AFP

Titmus said she needed time off now to soak up her incredible Tokyo medal achievements, but would consult with coach Dean Boxall.

“I definitely think I need time to let my mind recover and my body recover. My shoulder needs a good break,” she said.

“I do have to think about what I’ve achieved here and have time away from the pool so I can get ready and get up for next year.”

Originally published as Tokyo Olympics 2021: Ariarne Titmus wins silver in 800m freestyle, Ledecky gets gold