Surprise! Ariarne Titmus Reigns Supreme Over Katie Ledecky in a Fired Up 400m Freestyle race

Surprise! Ariarne Titmus Reigns Supreme Over Katie Ledecky in a Fired Up 400m Freestyle race

Ariarne Titmus, Katie Ledecky

In Swimming at Tokyo Olympics, the women’s 400m relay took place early on the fourth day. One of the most anticipated races of the year, it had some of the world’s best swimmers vying for a spot on the podium. USA’s Katie Ledecky was an overwhelming favourite to win the race, but Ariarne Titmus of Australia was not to be counted out.

Titmus was the only athlete to have beaten Ledecky in the past in an international event previously, and all eyes were on the 2 rivals who started off in lanes 3 and 4 respectively. Ledecky was out fast and first, leading by a whole body length in the first half of the race. Titmus was right behind her, nipping at her heels. It was at the 300m mark that Ledecky realised Ariarne Titmus was quickly catching up and was nearly in line with her. Right at the last turn, Titmus pulled slightly ahead of Ledecky, and a fierce fight ensued till the end for the gold medal.

It was Ariarne Titmus who prevailed ultimately, finishing the race with a time of 3:56.69s and in the process also broke the Oceanian record. Ledecky ended up finishing second, more than a half a second behind Titmus with a time of 3:57:36s. It was another victory for China in swimming Bingjie Li took the bronze medal finishing with 4:01:08s.

Titmus’ coaches were over the moon, as they had accomplished what she had set out to achieve.

Twitter Reacts after Ariarne Titmus’ spectacular win against Katie Ledecky

Ariarne Titmus Coaches and team
Ariarne Titmus Coaches and team

The win by Ariarne Titmus was one of the biggest achievements for ‘Australia in swimming, and several Twitter accounts reacted, appreciating her feat. The Australian women’s water polo team cheered Titmus to her win.

Several International Swimming federations appreciated the win of Titmus, who did so while breaking the Australian record

Many athletes congratulated Titmus as well, as they watched her bring glory for Australia. Dylan Alcott, Australian Paralympian acknowledged Titmus’s swim.

Australian Olympic Gold medal winner Giaan Rooney reacted as well.

Former Australian Cricket Team Captain Ricky Ponting congratulated Titmus.

Also read: Swimming at Tokyo Olympics: Team USA take Gold in Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay; Canada’s Margaret MacNeil clinches Gold in Nail biting Finish