Ariarne Titmus bursts into tears after losing 200m final, Mollie O’ Callaghan create Paris Olympics moment by sharing podium

The 200m freestyle swimming event went far from the manner in which Ariarne Titmus had hoped for it to go. Her long-time teammate and training partner Mollie O’Callaghan wound up beating her in the event. The 20-year-old has been a part of three medal-winning relays but on Monday (July 29) night, she had an opportunity to stand on the Olympic podium, by herself.

However, she could not find it in her heart to do so without having Ariarne Titmus right beside her. Once the Australian national anthem began playing, Mollie O’Callaghan turned to her teammate, training partner, and rival Ariarne Titmus to call her up to stand right next to her.

The 200m freestyle race at the Paris Olympics was an intense battle between them. The storylines were plenty going into the race, with the defending Olympic champion going against the world champion, and the current record holder going up against the former record holder. Ariarne Titmus got the better of O’Callaghan at the Olympic trials but the latter ended up winning in Paris.

O’Callaghan won the gold and Titmus came in second to win the silver. After their battle, Titmus got emotional in her post-race interview, but it was purely tears of joy flowing from her eyes.

These are happy tears, honestly. I don't know. It's really hard to hold your emotions in these situations. I know what it's like to be Olympic champion and happy that Mol gets to feel that now. Honestly I felt up there that I had won as well. It's very special to do it with a teammate and it's really special to have this in our country. I am so proud to be part of this era of swimming. 

Ariarne Titmus said

Had she won this race, it would have cemented her as the only Australian with four gold medals and only the 13th swimmer to achieve this feat.

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Ariarne Titmus and Mollie O’Callaghan are both trained by Dean Boxall

Titmus later took to Instagram to congratulate O’Callghan and revealed a sense of pride in standing beside her teammate as the national anthem played in the background. For Mollie O’Callaghan, her victory was a surreal experience.

In her post-race interview with Giaan Rooney, she began to tear up as she emphasized how special her victory was. It was an unforgettable night for her as her parents were in attendance at the race.

I will let it sink in at the end. Seeing my mum and dad, that kind of hit me a little bit. I swim mainly for them. They've put a lot of time and dedication into my swimming and as a child. I wouldn't be here without them. I probably shouldn't cry now, it's not the end of the meet. I am fortunate to have them with me and my support team.

Mollie O’Callaghan said

O’Callaghan gave full credit to her parents for her success. She acknowledged the role that they have played in her life and upbringing, and at times sacrificed their commitments to ensure her swimming dreams were not impacted.

Although Ariarne Titmus and Mollie O’Callaghan were coached by Dean Boxall, they seldom go up head-to-head during practices. Yet, they share a sense of mutual admiration and respect for one another, which was on full display after O’Callaghan’s victory at the 200m freestyle.

In case you missed it:

• Rafael Nadal gets past Marton Fucsovics in a close 3-setter to set up clash against Novak Djokovic in R2 at Paris Olympics
• “10 girls, two bathrooms,” Coco Gauff reveals she’s the only female player from America’s tennis team staying at $1.6 billion Olympic Village

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