Ariarne Titmus has committed to the 2028 LA Games - with a get out clause

Ariarne Titmus remains committed to a swimming comeback for the 2028 LA Olympics, but admits her 12-month break has erased any fears of life beyond swimming.

Olympic golden girl Ariarne Titmus has reaffirmed her intent to return to the pool for a crack at a third Olympic Games in Los Angeles, but could pull the pin if she’s not “feeling it” upon return to training.

Titmus has yet to set an exact return date to training after taking a planned 12-month full break post her Paris Olympic heroics, but knows the day is looming to dive back into the pool under coach Dean Boxall.

The four-time Olympic gold medallist plans to gradually increase her training load and to race at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and 2027 world titles before peaking once again at the 2028 LA Olympic Games.

But having experienced life beyond the black line, with regular media work, sponsor commitments and travel, Titmus is no longer afraid to step away if she isn’t up to the relentless pursuit required to chase more gold.

Ariarne Titmus attends a Speedo function after competition. Picture: Adam Head

“Yeah I’ve definitely let myself have that breathing space to know that I’ve done everything I’ve ever wanted to do in my career,” Titmus said on SEN radio.

“And, you know, if I go back and I’m not feeling it, then there’s no pressure.

“But I definitely have said to myself that that’s something that I want to do. I want to go back and give myself the chance to get ready for my third Olympic Games.”

But fear not swim fans, she has missed the grind. She craves the daily training regime and regimented lifestyle that took her to the top of the world.

“I miss the sense of routine. My life at the moment has been all over the place,” she said.

“You miss that sense of routine and seeing your coach every day.”

Ariarne Titmus on the Australia Made Promotional tour. Picture: Robert Geary

Titmus and Cathy Freeman at the starting line of the Nike After Dark running event in Sydney. Photo: Tom Parrish

The defined break after Paris enabled Titmus clarity on what her life would look like without swimming.

She embraced every opportunity thrown her way as Olympic champion because for the first time she felt secure enough that her Paris success had afforded her the ability to enjoy time off without fear of losing every athletic gain she’d worked year on year to achieve.

“Every year I was just trying to be better and better and better and you suddenly find yourself kind of caught in this cycle of you’re scared to take a break and lose your form,” she said.

“And I just needed some time away for myself and to truly explore me beyond swimming. I don’t think I would have had the luxury of making that decision if I hadn’t of won Olympic gold and achieved everything I would have wanted to.

Titmus with her partner Mack. Picture: JAVIER SORIANO / AFP

Titmus (centre) with Queensland Women's State of Origin players Ali Brigginshaw and Tamika Upton. Picture: QRL.

“But I really wanted to take the time just to spend time with my family and my friends and also you know I never want to be caught in the trap of one day retiring and not knowing what I want to do and be just enrapt in my sport.

“I really wanted to spend the time pursuing a potential career beyond swimming and so that’s what I’ve done. I’ve done a bit of work in the media. I love going around on the speaking circuit and just trying to throw myself into anything I can, which I’ve really enjoyed.

“Becoming Olympic champion has exposed me to some opportunities I would never have had. I’ve tried to lean into those as much as possible.”

Originally published as Ariarne Titmus has committed to the 2028 LA Games - with a get out clause