Ariarne Titmus crowned Tasmanian Athlete of the Year for a record fourth time

Tasmanian swimming superstar Ariarne Titmus makes history with a fourth Athlete of the Year title but is sticking to having a year off swimming. Here’s what we know.

Australia's Ariarne Titmus competes in a heat of the women's 800m freestyle swimming event during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Paris La Defense Arena in Nanterre, west of Paris, on August 2, 2024. (Photo by AFP)

Ariarne Titmus, the undisputed queen of Tasmanian sport after being named Tasmanian Athlete of the Year for a record fourth time, will stick to her personal commitment of a 12-month break from swimming after her gold rush at the Paris Olympic Games.

The 24-year-old from Launceston won two gold medals and two silver medals in Paris, taking her tally to four Olympic gold, three silver and two bronze medals.

Titmus, who feared the prospect of infertility when scans discovered two benign tumours in her ovary, followed by surgery eight months before Paris, vowed to have a break after the Games.

NCA. PARIS FRANCE 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES. July 27 – Day1É Ariarne Titmus wins gold during the Final of the WomenÕs 400m Freestyle at the Paris La Defense Arena. Picture: Adam Head

The 2025 swimming world championships are in Singapore in July, almost a year after the first swimming event at the Paris Olympics.

At the presentation of the Tasmanian Athlete of the Year awards, Titmus said she would stick to her plan for a long break.

That includes a holiday by herself to Fiji leading up to Christmas.

Liberal member for Bass, Rob Fairs, presented Titmus with her award _ the first time she has been in the room to receive one of four awards.

“Ariarne made history in Paris by becoming the first female Australian to defend an Olympic 400m title while also helping set an Olympic record in the 4x200m relay. The stats are amazing,” he said.

NCA. PARIS FRANCE 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES. August 5- Day 10 Ariarne Titmus attends a Speedo function after competition. Pics Adam Head

Titmus was named Athlete of the Year from a shortlist of stars, including fellow Paris Olympians Eddie Ockenden (hockey), Max Giuliani (swimming), Alanna Smith (basketball) and Sarah Hawe (rowing).

Cyclist Amy Cure and sailor Matt Bugg became the 143rd and 144th inductees into the Tasmanian Sporting Hall of Fame.

Earlier on Thursday, Bugg was inducted into the Tasmanian Institute of Sport Champions Club, along with lawn bowler Rebecca Van Asch and rower Ciona Wilson.

“These achievements are a fantastic representation of the quality athletes our state can produce,” said Minister for Sport Nick Duigan.

Originally published as Ariarne Titmus crowned Tasmanian Athlete of the Year for a record fourth time