Ariarne Titmus: Launceston 50m competition pool named in honour

First she received the keys to the city. Now, Launceston has continued laying on the honours for Tasmania’s first individual Olympic Gold medallist.

First she received the Key to the City – now Launceston has gone a step further in recognising its golden girl Ariarne Titmus, Tasmania’s first individual Olympic Gold medallist, renaming its 50m competition pool in her honour, as well as founding a scholarship in her name.

On Saturday, the 50m pool at Launceston Leisure & Aquatic Centre was christened the Ariarne Titmus Competition Pool, as Titmus’ friends, family and supporters roared their approval.

Meanwhile, Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten also announced the city would fund the inaugural Ariarne Titmus Swimming Scholarship in the coming weeks to “help identify the next budding world champion in the pool from across our talented ranks”.

Titmus, who moved to Brisbane in 2015 to further her budding career, told the crowd it was a “special occasion” for her.

Ariarne Titmus at the unveiling of the renamed Ariarne Titmus Competition Pool at the Launceston Leisure & Aquatic Centre. Picture: Alex Treacy

“It’s lovely to be back here,” she said.

“I’m so proud to be from here.

“I never thought a day like this would happen.

“I feel so humbled and blessed.”

Titmus recounted the story of her first training session at Launceston Aquatic Centre at age 11, arriving wide-eyed after a dancing lesson with coach Derek Taylor.

“This is the pool where I started to make a shift as a swimmer,” Titmus said.

“It was here my swimming career took off.

“I won my first national titles as an under-13 from this pool.”

Also unveiled on the day was a mural by local artist Josh Foley celebrating the ‘Terminator’.

Cr van Zetten said Titmus had earned herself a place in the pantheon of Launceston’s sporting champions, alongside cricketer Ricky Ponting and cyclist Richie Porte.

Ariarne Titmus at the unveiling of the renamed Ariarne Titmus Competition Pool at the Launceston Leisure & Aquatic Centre. Picture: Alex Treacy

“Launceston has such a long and rich tradition of producing world-class athletes dating back many, many decades and I have no doubt the next budding superstar is on the cusp of making their big breakthrough,” he said.

The criteria for the scholarship is expected to come before council for endorsement once its finalised.

Titmus exploded into the national consciousness in 2018 when she swept all in her path at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, winning three Golds and a Silver in the freestyle events.

She then went on step further at last year’s Tokyo Olympics, bringing home two Golds, a Silver and a Bronze medal.