Australian star Ariarne Titmus became a double Olympic champion today, landing the 200m Freestyle final in a time of 1:53.50 – setting a new Olympic record in the process.
The victory was Titmus’ second of the Tokyo Games after she landed the 400m Freestyle crown earlier this week.
The Team Speedo star was wearing the custom Australian federation version of the Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor and held her nerve despite a blistering early pace. She eventually turned third at the 150m stage, but then applied the afterburners to ease her way home, setting the third-fastest time in history and positioning herself as the new queen of the pool.
Speaking to Channel 7 after the race, Titmus said: “On the last lap I knew I had Katie (Ledecky) covered but Siobhan was the person that was there and I felt my legs starting to go but I’m happy to get it done.
“I don’t think it will sink in until I go home and have a rest – when you’re in this situation you have to compartmentalise everything. Once I stop racing I will release everything, but now I’m thinking about going onto the relay and the 800m, I don’t want to celebrate too much but I am really proud of what I’ve achieved.
“I feel so fortunate to be here and to do what I love. I’m from a small town in Tasmania and it just goes to show if you believe you can do something you can 100% do it if you work for it.”
Also wearing Speedo Pure Valor was bronze medallist Penny Oleksiak – who wins her second medal of the Games whilst wearing the custom Canadian federation print.
