Ariarne Titmus secures Australia's equal-best day in Olympics history
Australia's Ariarne Titmus has once again defeated the great Katie Ledecky to win gold in the 200m women's freestyle with an Olympic Record in Tokyo.
After winning the 400m freestyle in thrilling fashion over her fierce American rival, Titmus came into the 200m freestyle as the fastest qualifier.
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But, it was Hong Kong's Siobhan Haughey leading for 150m of the race as Ledecky fell behind the leaders.
However, just like she did in the 400m, Titmus showed her determination and powered home to grab gold with an Olympic Record.
Titmus clocked an Olympic Record time of 1:53.50 to finish in front of second place Haughey (1:53.92) and Canadian Penny Oleksiak (1:54.70).
The Aussie said she knew during the race she had Ledecky covered as she surged past her, but was worried about Siobhan who was leading with 50m to go.
“I could see I was trying to move Siobhan down on the third 50. I had no idea where she was on the last lap. I knew I had Katie covered but Siobhan was the person that was there,” Titmus said after the race.
“I felt a little bit ... my legs started to go a bit but I’m happy to get it done.”
The Aussie's remarkable swim was her second gold of the Olympics and Australia's sixth overall.
The nation once again went wild over Titmus' achievement and praised the ever-so humble Aussie.
Yes! Ariarne Titmus does it again. Go you good thing! Claims the 200 and 400 double. #Olympics
— Veronica Eggleton (@veggleton) July 28, 2021
Titmus wins gold again, in the 200M free-style! #Olympics
— 💉 Peter FitzSimons💉 (@Peter_Fitz) July 28, 2021
Oh man… it just got really dusty in my place. Titmus getting emotional with Boxall again. Tears are flowing. #tokyo2020 #swimming
— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) July 28, 2021
Ariarne Titmus wins gold in the 200 free. Another incredible finish.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) July 28, 2021
TITMUS GOLD DOUBLE!!!! pic.twitter.com/JvWcTBpnNp
— onebluetiger_ (@oneeyedtiger_) July 28, 2021
Ariane Titmus’ closing speed is just insane 😳
— Allie Gehring (@agehring91) July 28, 2021
Ariarne Titmus is absolutely insane omg #swimming
— 🦋 (@drivevolleys) July 28, 2021
With authority. Ariarne Titmus takes double gold with a gutsy 200m freestyle win. Delivers once again. What a champion in a new OR of 1:53.5.
— Phil Lutton (@phillutton78) July 28, 2021
What a gracious,down to earth, generous Olympic Champion. Beautiful words from Ariarne Titmus for Australians still in lockdown - the way you go about winning does give us all something to feel good about 🙏🏻🙏🏻👏👏#AriarneTitmus #Tokyo2020 #Olympics #7Olympics #SydneyLockdown pic.twitter.com/5cNdZNucBo
— sam mostyn (@sammostyn) July 28, 2021
Titmus' gold was the third gold medal of the day for Australia after the women and men won the coxless four rowing.
This equals Australia's best ever day for gold medals in the 125 years of the nation competing at the Olympics.
Australia's 4x200m men's relay team later claimed bronze to cap off a memorable day in the pool.
Ariarne Titmus wins second gold of Tokyo Olympics
Titmus and Ledecky's first duel was in the 400m as the Australian took down the American champion at the Tokyo Olympics.
The American, a five-time Olympic champion, held the lead for the initial 300m but Titmus was watching her all the way, literally lurking at her heels.
The young Australian ominously surged closer and was just 0.16 seconds behind Ledecky with 100m remaining.
Titmus then reeled in her rival in a perfectly-executed race plan to win by half a body-length in a time of three minutes 56.69 seconds.
The loss delivered Ledecky her first at the Olympic Games after Titmus also won the event at the 2019 world championships.
with AAP
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