Teaming up with Madison Wilson, Emma McKeon and Kotuku Ngawati, the former St Patrick’s College student swam 1:56.61 in the anchor leg to edge out Russia by 0.08 of a second. 

The result came just four days after the 16-year-old put her name forward as one of the country’s brightest young prospects by swimming a personal best of 4:04.26 to finish fourth in the 400m freestyle. 

Speaking to Swimming Australia after the race, Titmus said the atmosphere inside the arena and a desire to play her part in the team willed her on in the final leg. 

“I didn’t think that ever, being a distance swimmer, I’d ever be able to represent Australia in a relay with the depth that we have in our country in sprint freestyle,” Titmus said.

“So to come away with a medal I’m just really excited and I’m happy that I could do a fast time and I think I rose to the occasion.

“I knew I had a fast time in me, but I didn’t think I could go that fast.”

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The Australian team made the best possible start to the race, with Wilson swimming a personal best time of 1:57.33 before multiple-medallist McKeon clocked in at 1:56.26.

Charged with the final leg, Titmus entered the final turn with eventual gold and silver medallists USA and China well ahead, but Russia’s Arina Openysheva fixed firmly in her sights.

“I knew I could swim over the top of her if I stuck to my plan.

“At the 100m mark I was a bit behind and then on the third turn I could see her and I was just like, ‘come on’.

“I just really dug deep and I didn’t breathe for like the last 15 metres because I didn’t know where she was, but it looked pretty close with the time, so I’m really happy I could get my hand on the wall first.”

Queensland-born Wilson, who represented Australia in backstroke at the Rio Olympics, said Titmus’ teammates had cheered her on for every stroke of the final leg. 

“It was a really special moment, especially when ‘Arnie’ was coming home over the Russian and I think my voice is so sore now because I was screaming,” Wilson said.

“She said she could hear me on the turns.”

The bronze takes Australia’s medal tally to seven, with the Dolphins still yet to claim a gold in the pool with three days of competition remaining. 

Titmus is Australia’s sole representative in Friday’s 800m freestyle heats, with the final to be held on Saturday.