Ariarne Titmus and Katie Ledecky BURIES pre-race mix-up controversy, labeling it as “an honest mistake”

Ariarne Titmus and Katie Ledecky laughs off the awkward pre-race lane mix-up incident during 400-meter freestyle finale at Paris Olympics.

Ariarne Titmus and Katie Ledecky BURIES pre-race mix-up controversy, labeling it as “an honest mistake”

Ariarne Titmus and Katie Ledecky [Image Credit: Imago]

Ariarne Titmus and Katie Ledecky’s 400-meter freestyle finale at the Paris Olympics gained social media attention as the former was seen lining up in front of Ledecky’s lane. The controversial incident made several wonder if it was a genuine mistake or a planned coincidence to shake up the opponent.

Nevertheless, both Olympians made it clear that it was just the nerves making silly mistakes before the race, and not an incident that was planned intentionally. Titmus even stated that they laughed off the whole scenario during the medals celebration and have already moved on.

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The error took place on Saturday when the 27-year-old lost the gold medal to the Australian swimmer in the 400-meter showdown. Ariarne Titmus also won gold during the Tokyo Games. Seems like Ledecky needs to wait for another round to snatch the gold from her rival. 

Before Saturday’s race, Titmus was seen lining up in front of Ledecky’s lane which led to several controversies among fans. Later she clarified saying, 

I just saw that that one was the free one. Usually, the lane of the left is the one you go to and I totally didn’t realize and look at the number…If anyone thinks it was on purpose, that’s not true. It was totally an honest mistake.
Ariarne Titmus as per Marca.

She said they “had a bit of a laugh in the medal room ceremony” and that was the end of it. Katie Ledecky even joked that it was “no big deal” and that it was good that the mistake got clarified before the race or it could have resulted in disqualification.

Ariarne Titmus joins Dawn Fraser’s record with 2nd Olympic gold in 400m race

Despite the pre-game mix-up, Ariarne Titmus won her second Olympic gold medal and joined the legendary Dawn Fraser as the only female Australian to defend the Olympic title in their respective sport. Titmus said “It’s fun racing the best in the world” while talking about Fraser’s record.

Ariarne Titmus and Dawn Fraser [Image Credit: Imago/National Archives of Australia]
Ariarne Titmus and Dawn Fraser [Image Credit: Imago/National Archives of Australia]

Titmus said that she can’t believe that she won her 2nd gold medal in the Olympics as she considers herself “the same old goofy Tassie girl living out her dream.” She further added,

I hope it goes to show anyone can do what they want to do if they work hard and believe in themselves.
Ariarne Titmus as per Sam Goodwin of Yahoo.com.

She said, “I gave it everything I could,” and can’t believe the results yet. If she wins gold in her next three races, she will become the female athlete who has won the most Olympic gold medals in swimming.

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