James Magnussen on how Ariarne Titmus’ dominance of Katie Ledecky can inspire Australia’s swim team

US swimmers have dominated in the pool for years, but the tide is now turning, and Australia’s team is set to benefit, writes James Magnussen.

Success is contagious.

That is what the Australian swim team will be banking on after a monumental morning in the pool headlined by Ariarne Titmus. The significance of this race and the affect it will have on her fellow swimmers cannot be underestimated.

Titmus claimed Australia’s first female individual gold medal since Steph Rice in Beijing 2008.

After beating Katie Ledecky in her pet event, Titmus is living proof that legends can be defeated and Australia can topple the might of the US. For so many Olympics we have sat and listened to “Star Spangled Banner” being played after another dominant performance from a US swimmer.

This year, the tide is turning.

The mood around the swim team can fluctuate throughout the week of competition and very much reflects the results in the pool.

The Missile James Magnussen says Ariarne Titmus' stunning effort in the pool can inspire an Aussie gold rush

You have to remember, the team lives in close quarters back in the village, with the swimmers usually divided up into six apartments.

Going from the pool deck back to your living quarters, you naturally absorb the energy from your roommates, whether it’s negative or positive.

Spirits would have been high after the women’s 4x100m freestyle.

But an individual gold for Titmus, after one of the biggest build ups to a race in recent memory, will have the team absolutely buzzing.

Every coach, athlete and staff member would have been glued to that race will be bouncing off the walls, the swimmers champing at the bit for their turn to emulate the newest Australian hero.

The women in the swim team will continue to do the heavy lifting over the next couple of days with Kaylee McKeown in the 100m backstroke final and Titmus backing up for the 200m freestyle.

They do so now with two things in mind; gold is achievable and the US isn’t untouchable.

Originally published as James Magnussen on how Ariarne Titmus’ dominance of Katie Ledecky can inspire Australia’s swim team