‘It’s a fun thing’: Golden jacket embodies joy and sacrifice of Australian swimming’s parents

The parents of Australia’s swimming stars almost go through as much emotionally as their sons or daughters, so when their children succeed why not find a unique way to celebrate, which has now become tradition.

GOLF’s US Masters has its green jacket. Swimming now has its yellow jacket which can require an equal amount of toil.

The parents of Australia’s swimming team are a close bunch who appreciate each other’s challenges.

They dream together and celebrate and cajole each other when need be.

And now a tradition has emerged which makes the big moments big.

Each parent of a swimmer who wins a gold medal is given a special yellow jacket embroidered with the details of the Olympics.

Scottie Scheffler pwears the US Masters green jacket after his win at Augusta this year. Picture: Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images

The gold jacket presentation ceremony held for the parents of swimmers who win individual gold. Steve and Robyn Titmus with Nick and Toni O’Callaghan. Picture: Adam Head

The jacket project is provided by wealthy Queensland benefactor Stuart Giles and the first presentations of the Games were done at Corcorans Irish pub, the hotel the Australians have adopted 200m from the Olympic pool.

“It’s a fun thing,’’ said Steve Titmus, father of Ariarne, who was presented with the jacket for her 400m win.

“It has become a tradition and I think it will continue for years to come.’’

Swimming is not just about gold medals.

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It’s about parents making a zillion trips to training and endless support which is often underestimated.

Steve’s wife Robyn is president of the PODS and has put in countless hours of toil to help organise accommodation and social functions for the parents on tour.

The Titmus’ have spent more than $20,000 in tickets for this Olympics but Ariarne’s 400m win has made it priceless.

Normally the parents are united in their support of each athlete but family ties occasionally spice the mix.

The Ariarne Titmus-Mollie O’Callaghan showdown is such a showdown but it won’t stop the two families from mixing on tour.

The sight of the two girls standing together on the podium last night – after the victorious O’Callaghan asked Titmus to join her – was an emotional moment for both families.

Mollie’s mother Sharon and sister Taylor, a former Olympic swimmer herself, had lunch at Corcoran’s hours before Mollie stormed to victory in the 200m freestyle.

Originally published as ‘It’s a fun thing’: Golden jacket embodies joy and sacrifice of Australian swimming’s parents