Paris Olympics 24: Parents of golden girl Ariarne Titmus reveal pride

Steve and Robyn Titmus have revealed their pride in golden girl daughter Ariarne who carried the weight of a nation in swimming to glory.

The families of Australia’s gold medal winning swimmers have praised their composure and ability to deliver under pressure.

Steve Titmus, father of Ariarne Titmus who won 400m freestyle gold and 200m freestyle silver, said he and wife Robyn are bursting with pride.

“Leading into these games, the pressure from Australia, the nation, was enormous,’’ Steve said at Speedo Cafe.

“Arnie initially in that 400 was carrying the weight of the nation on her shoulders which is extraordinary. So to go into the race like that with so much pressure and then to come away with a win was fantastic.

Steve and Robyn Titmus at Speedo Cafe

“For us that’s what we’re most proud about is how Arnie has handled herself both in the pool and out of the pool as well. They talk about role models and those sort of things. She’s been fantastic and to see those girls at the dais going one and two, it was just fantastic.”

Robyn added: “There was a lot of build up and expectation, she didn’t care about the time because the Olympics is about racing, so to be able to do that and then come away with a silver it’s amazing for all the Speedo girls. She’s in really good spirits and had a couple of days of rest.”

The Titmus parents were joined by Nick and Toni O’Callaghan whose daughter Mollie won gold ahead of Titmus in the 200m.

Nick and Toni O'Callaghan at the Speedo Cafe.

“Paris has been really exciting for us all,’’ Nick said. “I believe the athletes have been really strong, what they’ve done and achieved has been phenomenal.”

Toni added: “We actually hadn’t spoken to Mollie in weeks. I just think it’s been a long preparation to Paris and then a very long week for Mollie. Just being able to get up after the next race and then being able to do it again, a lot of emotion goes into it.”

Kaylee McKeown’s mum Sharon said it had been an incredible week and special to wear the yellow jacket which has now become a tradition for each parent of a gold medallist.

“It’s pretty awesome, very exciting. I couldn’t be there in Tokyo so to be here has been really amazing,’’ she said. “She’s very family orientated and loves spending time with family and getting on the tractor.”