Ariarne Titmus going from treble at Commonwealth Games trials to chasing glory at school swimming championships

SHE’S terminated every target in her sights at this week’s Australian swimming trials but Ariarne Titmus still has one mission ahead of the Commonwealth Games — and Brisbane’s best school swimmers should watch out.

Ariarne Titmus on her way to winning the 800m final at the Commonwealth Games trials.

SHE’S terminated every target in her sights at this week’s Australian swimming trials but Ariarne Titmus still has one mission ahead of the Commonwealth Games — and Brisbane’s best school swimmers should watch out.

Titmus became the first woman in more than a decade to win the 200m, 400m and 800m freestyle treble at the national titles to seal her place on Australia’s team for the Gold Coast Games.

But Wednesday’s Queensland Girls Secondary Schools Sports Association carnival shapes as one of the most important meets of the season for the woman nicknamed “The Terminator”.

For some, it would be the ultimate comedown, but Titmus is more excited at the prospect of swimming for St Peters Lutheran College at the meet than just about anything other than the Commonwealth Games.

“You get on such a high. The whole night’s buzzing — the music and everyone there, I’m so excited,” Titmus said.

Ariarne Titmus waves to the crowd after winning the 800m freestyle at the Commonwealth Games trials.

“I reckon it’s on par with the world championships.”

That may be a slight overstatement but Titmus will be serious when she lines up in several events, including the 200m — an event she won at the national titles this week.

“I broke the record in the 200m last year, going 1:59, so hopefully I can beat that this year,” she said.

“It’s going to be a bit strange (coming off the back of nationals) and I’m pretty sure I’m in the B relay for the 4x50m,” she said.

“This is a big deal for us. The squad tapers for this.

“The (school) that wins this carnival is essentially the best group of girl swimmers in the country, I believe.”

Titmus’s coach Dean Boxall is known for his animated manner on pool deck and he will be no different on Wednesday night at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre.

“You can’t even talk to Dean during this carnival, he another level crazy — probably worse than here,” Titmus said.

Ariarne Titmus on her way to winning the 800m final at the Commonwealth Games trials.

“But it’s so fun getting all the girls together — it’s probably the best night on the swimming calendar, it’s way funner than (trials).”

Titmus moved from Tasmania to Queensland to chase her swimming dream and said she wanted to repay St Peters for supporting her goals.

“I really want to perform well for the school, they’ve been behind me the whole way.

“And being the captain as well, I really want to set a good example and hopefully inspire some girls with my swims.

“We really want to win this trophy, so I’ve got to do my job.”

There’s only one things that would cruel her buzz and that’s Boxall putting her through a tough session the day before the meet.

“Surely he wouldn’t if I’ve got the ‘QG’ on Wednesday.”

Originally published as Ariarne Titmus going from treble at Commonwealth Games trials to chasing glory at school swimming championships