O'Callaghan wins gold
Aussies Mollie O’Callaghan and Ariarne Titmus took part in a “race for the ages” on Monday in Paris in the Women’s 200m freestyle.
Titmus took an early lead on her younger training partner, but it was not enough. O’Callaghan’s strong underwater form and late push near the end of the race saw her overcome her compatriot in the final lap.
“You’ve got to accept the challenge at the end of the day. You can either run or you can either fight. I chose to fight,” O’Callaghan said after the race.
As if completing a thrilling comeback victory was not enough, O’Callaghan, 20, also set a new Olympic record with her time of 1:53.27 in the race. Titmus finished less than a second slower at 1:53.81.
“I’m always striving for more and I always put a lot of pressure on myself. My expectations are very high,” O’Callaghan added.
“That was an amazing race. I’m always wanting that little bit more. I just had to go with Dean and trust him knowing what to do and what’s best.
“To be honest, I did it for the country, I didn’t do it for myself. I’m racing for all these people. I just had to put it behind me. Less pressure now, I get to swim freely,” she said.
Titmus denied Olympic record
While Mollie O’Callaghan’s tremendous race on Monday was good enough to cement her name in the Olympic record book, silver medalist Ariarne Titmus was denied the chance of setting her own Olympic record.
Titmus had the chance to become the first swimmer in Olympic history to successfully defend their Olympic gold medals in both the 200m and 400m freestyle races.
The Tasmanian-born Titmus successfully defended her 400m freestyle title on Saturday, winning gold ahead of Canadian teenager Summer McIntosh and Team USA legend Katie Ledecky.
Aussies celebrate together
After competing in their “race for the ages” on Monday, O’Callaghan and Titmus took time after the event to show that there is no bad blood between the two Aussies.
The two training partners hugged each other after the race and shared the first place podium during the medal ceremony. This show of sportsmanship earned plaudits from viewers all around the world.
IIn case there was any doubt that it was just a show, O’Callaghan spoke after the race about how much she admired Titmus.
“It’s such an honour to be with everyone, and compete against Arnie (Titmus),” O’Callaghan said, “She is an absolute gun. She races like an absolute beast. It’s an honour to train alongside her and have such a great team around us.”
At 20 years old, O’Callaghan is the youngest Australian to win four Olympic gold medals. Her final race of this year’s Olympics is the Women’s 100m Freestyle Final at 4:30 AM (AEST) on Thursday, August 1.
