In an interesting decision, Launceston-born Titmus was chosen to start for Australia; one of four with teammates Leah Neale and gold medallists Madison Wilson and Emma McKeon.

The 20-year-old Tasmanian came firing out of the gate, hanging on in second behind China.

But in her final lap of the relay, 'Arnie' chipped away to give McKeon a quality start and the lead.

However on the final laps of the race, 24-year-old Ledecky stormed into the fray and overtook Neale for second, who fought till he last gasp to earn Australia a bronze.

All three teams broke the previous 4x200m relay record of 7:41.50, which was set by Australia in 2019 and featured Titmus.

China, who won the race, set a new world record of 7:40.33 with a team of Junxuan Yang, Muhan Tang, Yufei Zhang, Binjie Li.

"It was really fast ... I would have liked to do more for the team, I feel like I should have been better but it's [about] what you can do on the day," Titmus said.

"And we've had a big couple of days so happy to come away with a podium [finish]."

But it wasn't for nought, with Titmus' split time of 1:54.51 the fastest ever by an Australian.

However, Ledecky had her beat in this regard with a time of 1:53.76.

To say Titmus has had an amazing Olympics debut would be an understatement, having already won the women's 400m and 200m freestyle earlier this week.

She is the first Tasmanian to win multiple golds at one Olympics ever.

Do you know someone who is contributing to Northern Tasmanian sport, whether through participating or assisting?

The Examiner's Junior Sports Awards, sponsored by Woolworths, provide acknowledgement of accomplishments by players, coaches, volunteers, teams and clubs across the region.

Nominations are open from Wednesday, April 14, and will close at midnight on October 4.

Entries must include a photograph of the entrant.