Paris Olympics 2024: Matty Johns and James Magnussen discuss the women’s 200m freestyle final

Ariarne Titmus and Mollie O’Callaghan will gun for gold tomorrow in the 200m freestyle. Dual Olympian James Magnussen reveals his predictions for the big race on the latest episode of the Matty + The Missile podcast.

All eyes will be on Ariarne Titmus and Mollie O’Callaghan tomorrow, when they each gun for gold in the much-anticipated 200m freestyle.

The two Aussies share something else in common, beyond simply their skillset: their coach, Dean Boxall.

Speaking on third episode of Matty + The Missile, James Magnussen said that such an event was unprecedented.

“We’ve never seen before the fastest and second fastest swimmer in history in that event training in the same squad,” he told Matty this evening.

MATTY AND THE MISSILE: Matty Johns and James Magnussen join forces in Paris to take you inside the world’s greatest sporting event. Listen to their podcast below:

Ariarne Titmus has already tasted success in Paris. Picture: Getty Images

“Dean needs to turn to Molly and say, here’s your game plan tonight to beat Ariane. And then he needs to turn to Ariane and say, Ariane, here’s your game plan to beat Molly. I’m not even sure how it works.”

One of Australia’s most prolific swimming coaches, Boxall oversees the training of Ariarne Titmus and Mollie O’Callaghan, as well as Elijah Winnington and Meg Harris.

READ: AUSSIES IN ACTION ON DAY THREE

Mollie O'Callaghan is right in the frame for gold in the 200m freestyle. Picture: Getty Images

And although Boxall can’t play favourites, Magnussen certainly can.

“Molly is the more skillful swimmer. Better at starts, turns and underwater, and probably has a little bit more speed in the free swim,” he said. “Ariane, as we’ve seen, is unflappable mentally.”

“For the sake of history, I’m backing in Arnie.”

Listen to Matty & the Missile in Paris here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Originally published as Paris Olympics 2024: Matty Johns and James Magnussen discuss the women’s 200m freestyle final