Ariarne Titmus credits Katie Ledecky for making her a better athlete after Paris 2024 Olympics success

The Paris 2024 Olympics has been a memorable one for Ariarne Titmus. The Australian swimmer won the gold medal in women’s 400m freestyle while settling for silvers in the 200m and 800m free.

She was also part of the Dolphins squad which won the 4x200m freestyle relay with an Olympic record-breaking time.

Titmus’ battle with American rival Katie Ledecky in the pool was, perhaps, one of the big highlights of the swimming competitions at Paris 2024. The two faced off in the 400m and 800m freestyle events.

While it was Titmus who came out in the battle for the 400m title, Ledecky claimed bronze. In the 800m, though, it was the American ace who came out on top rendering the Dolphin’s new personal best and Oceania record-setting time only good for a silver.

In the 200m, compatriot Mollie O’Callaghan set a new Olympic record to keep Titmus from defending her crown.

After the 800m final, Titmus spoke about her campaign in Paris and the tussles with Ledecky, who she feels has made her into a better swimmer.

Here are the excerpts:

On her performance.

Ariarne Titmus: I'm so happy to do a (personal best). This is the toughest week of racing you can possibly do. I've been feeling it at the back end of this week, and I gave it everything. I said to myself I wouldn't sleep at night if I felt like I left anything out there, so I'm so proud of my efforts.

On Katie Ledecky.

Ariarne Titmus: I felt like I took it to her. I challenged her. I made it a great race and I gave it everything. She just had an extra bit in the legs at the end. She's an absolute champion. I know how hard it is to defend a title. It's so much harder to win it a second time, and to be on top for over 12 years is unbelievable.

I said to her after the race, she's made me a better athlete, I totally respect what she has done in this sport, more than anyone else. She's been winning this race since I was 11 years old, and I turn 24 next month. That is just remarkable. She's unreal.

On the physical and mental toll of the Olympic Games.

Ariarne Titmus: I knew what to expect physically and emotionally coming into this from learning from the last Olympics. Emotionally, this week, I had so much expectation on me the past few years to go back-to-back and continue my winning streak internationally, the 400 especially.

You kind of put that in a little box and put it in the corner and don't really recognise it. I am so good at putting that pressure in a little pile and using it to my advantage to race, but then when it's off your back, somehow that creeps out and just explodes, and I'm feeling the most unbelievable sense of relief now that I'm done.

I'm so proud of my efforts this week. Two gold, two silver. Couldn't defend my 200, but certainly happy that it was my training partner that won and to be second to her is great. I'm just so happy with my weekend. I can't wait for a big rest.