Ariarne Titmus goes public over sad career regret after decision to step back from swimming
The swimmer announced she would be stepping back from the sport after Paris.
Aussie swimming favourite Ariarne Titmus has admitted she did not appreciate the big moments of her sensational career as she takes time away from the sport after Paris. Titmus has opted to step back from swimming after the Paris Olympics where she won four medals, including two gold, to add to her legacy as one of the nation's best ever swimmers.
However, Titmus has revealed she is getting a better perspective on her career and how to handle the big moments having removed herself from the sport to rest her mind and body. Titmus has been flying around Australia since the Olympics as she looks to set-up a career after her swimming journey comes to an end.
At 24 years old the Aussie golden girl will lead Australia into the next Olympics, but when speaking to fans in a Q&A she revealed she did not enjoy the big moments. One such example was when she won her first world championship having defeated the legendary Katie Ledecky in the 400m freestyle.
“This is me back in 2019 becoming 400 free world champion for the first time,” Titmus wrote in the Q&A. “I remember being disappointed with the swim and was already thinking to what were meant to be the Olympic Games in 2020.
“At the time it seemed the right mindset to be in when you’re on the pursuit for Olympic gold. But in hindsight, I regret not enjoying the bigger moments more when I was younger. I was always looking to the next thing and not allowing myself the grace and time to be proud of myself.”
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Titmus isn't expected to rejoin her swimming team until next year ahead of the world championships. But she admitted as she enters the second-half of her career she will learn to appreciate the bigger moments as they won't be around forever. “As I continue to swim, my goals will be to be more present in the moment, enjoy the small special times with my teammates and not take anything for granted,” she added.
Ariarne Titmus reveals health scare ahead of Olympics
After returning from Paris, Titmus has revealed how a health scare last year prompted her to rethink her swimming career and her entire outlook on life. Following a successful Games, the 24-year-old declared she would be taking an extended break from the sport.
Titmus almost didn't make Paris after scans discovered two benign tumours on her ovary last year. The 24-year-old underwent surgery just eight months out from the Paris Games to remove the two lumps, which were only discovered as a result of a scan to try and address a long-term hip complaint.
The Olympic gold medalist revealed the scare prompted her to look at what really matters to her, which included her family. And in the Q&A the swimmer admitted she is looking forward to her first holiday since Paris, before returning to swimming.
“I head to Fiji after my last commitment of the year for my first solo holiday. It will also be my first holiday since Paris," she wrote having suggested she is in no rush to get back to training. “I’m very much in need of some peace and quiet after what has been an incredibly rewarding but busy few months.”
