Ariarne Titmus says the taste of defeat has been a blessing as she prepares for race of the century

Ariarne Titmus became the hunted after she shattered American superstar Katie Ledecky’s record. Now she’s resuming her role as the stalker as the world prepares for the race of the century.

Ariarne Titmus with Olympic gold medal for the 400m freestyle. Picture: Michael Klein

As one of the greatest middle distance swimmers of all time, Ariarne Titmus is used to having to flip herself around and start all over again every time she comes face-to-face with a wall.

So it’s no surprise – let alone a concern – that the double Tokyo Olympic champion has found herself back to where she started heading into this month’s world swimming championships in Japan.

The only difference is this turnaround has been four years in the making.

In 2019, Titmus was an up-and-coming teenager on the prowl, hunting down the American superstar Katie Ledecky.

No-one gave her a chance but she captured her prey.

Ariarne Titmus in the women's 800m freestyle.

First, she beat Ledecky for the 400m freestyle world title that year. Then, she beat her again for the Olympic gold medal in 2021 – in both 400m and 200m. Finally, in 2022, she shattered Ledecky’s seemingly unbreakable 400m world record.

But in doing so, the huntress became the hunted and it wasn’t long before Titmus found herself being chased down by younger predators.

Inspired by how Titmus had succeeded in her enormous challenge to beat Ledecky, Summer McIntosh wants to do the same to the Aussie.

Just 16, she has already wiped the Terminator’s cherished 400m world record from the books with a stunning performance at the Canadian trials in March.

That instantly made McIntosh the slight favourite to win their eagerly-awaited three-way showdown at the world titles in Japan but Titmus could be the biggest beneficiary.

A WHOLE NEW ROLE

Back in her familiar role as the stalker, she’s been freed from the pressure and burden of being expected to win but with the added bonus of a fresh incentive.

“World records are obviously going to be broken, but when you do break one, you kind of naively think that that might last forever,” Titmus said.

“So when it did get broken, it was a bit like a bee sting.

“The world of swimming is moving. So it does kind of add that little bit of extra motivation because everyone’s always getting faster.”

Titmus was just below her best at last month’s Australian trials but still posted the second fastest times in the world this year for 400m and the third best for 200m.

Although she’s still just 22, Titmus has set herself such high standards that she’s expected to break records every time she dives the water so is having to learn to save her best for when it really matters.

Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus chats with her coach Dean Boxall. Picture: Michael Klein

“My swimming has kind of been on an upward trajectory for most of my professional career,” she said.

“So I think I’ve got to get used to this new thing where you’re not going to be doing PBs (personal best) all the time.

“Certainly this year has been challenging for me outside of swimming personally so that has made this year tougher for me.

“So I’m just trying to get my head into gear and back into swimming mode. It has been tough, but I feel like I’ve been swimming well the past couple of months and so I’m on the right path.”

While Titmus hasn’t been beaten over 400m since 2018 she has recently tasted defeat over 200m, narrowly beaten at the trials by her teenage teammate Mollie O’Callaghan.

But that could also be a blessing in disguise with the pair set to square off again in Fukuoka before teaming up in the relay, where Australia is odds-on to win the gold.

“Anytime you don’t win, it doesn’t feel as nice,” Titmus said.

“I knew Mollie would swim fast, she’s been training unbelievably.

“I’m grateful that she’s a teammate. I prefer a teammate of mine or training partner of mine to win instead of me over anybody. And fortunately, the 200m freestyle is a relay event.”

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