On Monday afternoon Ariarne Titmus put on the performance of her professional career at the Tokyo Olympics to defeat Katie Ledecky in the women's 400 metre freestyle final.
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Parents of the 20-year-old Launceston local said they couldn't be prouder after watching their daughter come from behind to win her first Olympic gold medal.
Many in the community came together to watch Titmus edge out Ledecky by 0.67 of a second, including Launceston Aquatic Club president Amanda Muldoon.
Ms Muldoon, who has known Titmus since she was a teenager, said she was delighted with the result.
"It was exciting and I was absolutely, absolutely delighted for her, for Australia and for Tasmanian swimming," she said.
For a 14-year-old girl to leave Tasmania and win a gold medal on the world stage was an inspiration for the next generation of swimmers, she said.
"It gives every young swimmer something to aspire to in Tasmania, and it shows that you can come from regional Australia and still aspire to take on the world's best," Ms Muldoon said.
Students from Titmus' old school St Patrick's College also turned out to watch one of their own take the top spot on the podium.
Principal Anthony Daley said the school was buzzing after 300 students tuned in to watch the race.
"We put some big screens in our gym. I think there were about 250 to 300 students in the hall to watch it, and I don't need to tell you it was electric," he said.
"As soon as she took the lead the noise was deafening, and they just showed such pride in what she did."
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Andrew Chounding
An experienced multi-platform journalist focusing on the issues that impact health in Tasmania. With a background in social research and public policy, health reporting for Andrew is about ensuring the best health outcomes for the Northern Tasmanian community. Contact Andrew at: andrew.chounding@examiner.com.au or 0437 358 262
An experienced multi-platform journalist focusing on the issues that impact health in Tasmania. With a background in social research and public policy, health reporting for Andrew is about ensuring the best health outcomes for the Northern Tasmanian community. Contact Andrew at: andrew.chounding@examiner.com.au or 0437 358 262
