Launceston swimming sensation Ariarne Titmus was full of smiles capturing her first individual gold – and Tasmania’s sixth in five days – at the Commonwealth Games on Monday night.
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Adding to her 200m silver and 4x200m relay goal medals, the 17-year-old freestyler dominated the 800m to top an all-Australian podium.
Titmus had headed home gallant compatriots Jessica Ashwood and Kiah Melverton by multiple body lengths, clocking a time of 8:20.27.
“It’s amazing,” Titmus said of the medal sweep.
“After seeing the boys go 1-2-3 in the backstroke, I thought there might have been a chance for us and it’s really exciting.
“I wanted to go a bit faster than that, but at a big meet like this it’s about racing, and I’m glad that I could be first to touch the wall.”
The gold-medal win in the pool has already capped off a tremendous record-breaking performance for Tasmanians on the Gold Coast.
Invermay bowler Rebecca Van Asch and her women’s fours team had earlier taken out Australia’s first Games gold on the greens in 12 years dating back to Melbourne.
Hobart weightlifter Kaity Fassina added a silver in the 90-kilogram class to take the state’s medal tally to nine.
But nervous standing on the blocks, Titmus got out to an early break on the second of 16 laps and never looked seriously challenged, further extending the lead during the closing laps.
The dual former Riverside and Launceston Aquatic swimmer was quick to suggest her ongoing success vindicated the family’s decision to relocate from Launceston to Brisbane three years ago under the tutelage of leading coach Dean Boxall.
Titmus already claimed third and fourth-place finishes at world championships in Hungary last year and owns a clean sweep of 200, 400 and 800m national titles.
“When I moved to Dean a couple of years ago, to think I’d be in this position, I’d probably think I was dreaming. I have worked so hard to be here and I am glad it’s paid off,” Titmus said.
“I think my individual gold means a lot more than relay gold – to know you have done it yourself.
“Obviously, being in the relay team is great, but I think the satisfaction of being a Commonwealth champion is really exciting and I’m happy that I could perform.”
A national record-holder, she will set out to make it four medals from as many events in the 400m on Tuesday.
Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
