Swimming: Australia’s Ariarne Titmus claims second consecutive gold in ‘Race of the Century’ ahead of McIntosh and Ledecky at Paris 2024

Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus flew to her second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the women's 400m freestyle in what has been dubbed the ‘Race of the Century’ at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on 27 July.

She continued her reign in the event and has still not taken anything but gold in competition since 2019.

Titmus took the win with a time of 3:57.49, not quite meeting her world record, but it was ahead of seven-time Olympic champion Katie Ledecky, who took the bronze medal in 4:00.86 behind Canadian teenager Summer McIntosh, who clocked 3:58.37.

Titmus became the first-ever female to take three Olympic medals in the event.

“It’s a little bit more emotional, this one, than the first one. I know what it feels like to be an Olympic champion. It’s a different feeling,” Titmus said after her race.

“I probably felt the pressure for this race more than anything in my life, to be honest. I’m definitely good at handling the pressure, but I’ve definitely felt it. The Olympics is different. It’s not like anything else. It’s not about how fast you go, it’s about getting your hand on the wall first. So I’m really happy to have done that tonight.”

It was another major feat to win against Ledecky, who is the most decorated female swimmer in Olympic history.

“I’m so honoured to be part of the race and be alongside legends like Katie. I look up to her so much as an athlete, and it is certainly not a rivalry beyond the races. I really respect her as a person, her longevity in the sport.”

Katie Ledecky shares the love

Ledecky was the gold medallist in the 400m freestyle at Rio 2016, but her Olympic reign in the event did not last long, as Titmus took the title at Tokyo 2020.

Ledecky shared similar sentiments after the race, saying: “I wouldn’t consider it a rivalry, I think it’s a friendship if anything. We have a lot of respect for each other and we love competing against each other. It brings the best out of each of us.”

But for the legendary American swimmer, taking the bronze was less than thrilling.

“It’s always good to get a medal for Team USA. I wanted to be a little faster but can’t complain with the medal,” she said, before adding: “We knew it was going to be a great race going in, so many great competitors in the field. I knew it would be tough and everyone in that field put up a great race.”

She had won her heat earlier on in the day, but it was evident from the start that Ledecky would be the underdog as Titmus took an early lead, with the Canadian teen trailing at her heels throughout.

And at just 17 years old, McIntosh is six years younger than Titmus, making her 10 years younger than Ledecky.

“Any time I get to race either of those girls, it’s an amazing opportunity and I learn so much. They push me to be better and make me put my best foot forward, so it was definitely a good race,” she said.

The silver medal was the first of what will likely become a large collection of Olympic hardware for McIntosh.

Swimming: women's 400m freestyle podium

Gold: Ariarne Titmus, Australia, 3:57.49

Silver: Summer McIntosh, Canada, 3:58.37

Bronze: Katie Ledecky, USA, 4:00.86