Tokyo Olympics: Ariarne Titmus adds a relay bronze medal

The Australians broke their own world record of 7:41.50 with a time of 7:41.29, but saw it also beaten by the second-placed Americans (7:40.73) and gold medallist China (7:40.33).

Fresh from her Olympic titles in the 200 and 400m freestyle events, Titmus was a surprise choice to lead the team off and set the fastest Australian split of 1:54.51.

Emma McKeon (1:55.31), Madison Wilson (1:55.62) and Leah Neale (1:55.85) completed the job but China led throughout and Titmus' arch-rival Katie Ledecky stormed home to pip Neale for the silver.

"It was really fast and a really good swim from us," Titmus said.

"I would like to have done a bit more for the team. I feel like I could have swum better. But it's what you can do on the day and it's been a big couple of days and I'm happy to come away on the podium."

Australia had won the event at the 2008 Olympics, claiming silver medals in 2000, '12 and '16, and also took the last world championship title.

Launceston-born Titmus, who began swimming with Riverside and Launceston Aquatic Clubs before her family relocated to Queensland in 2015, said she was proud to swim as part of a team.

"It's obviously amazing to swim for yourself, but then when you're in a team you're also swimming for other people as well," said the 20-year-old.

"In Australia we have amazing history in relay swimming. It's not often you get to do what you love with three other mates and you're on the world stage."

Titmus revealed she has deleted all social media apps off her phone in an effort to avoid getting carried away by the hype surrounding her achievements.

Already the subject of an Australia Post stamp and calls for the Launceston Aquatic Centre to be renamed in her honour, Titmus said she is determined to block out such distractions until she has completed her Tokyo program.

"I think as much as messages from everyone is really beautiful... it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, so I've only been speaking to my family a tiny bit," she said.

"I got my best friend to log in to my Instagram last night to post for me. She said 'mate your notifications are out of control' so when I log back on it's going to be a bit hectic I think."

Asked how she felt about superstar American gymnast Simone Biles withdrawing from competition due to mental fatigue, Titmus added: "Honestly, I've been kind of living in my own little world. I heard that maybe Simone had pulled out of a team event, but I haven't read anything about it. I'm just honestly really focussing on myself and what I have to do here.

"It's a little bit strange actually at the Olympic Games and there's multiple events going on, but I feel like when you've got such a narrow focus you're only really thinking about what you're doing."

At her maiden Olympics, Titmus has adapted swiftly to the COVID-enforced conditions.

"It's unfortunate we have no spectators, but I feel like the athletes and the coaches that are there create a pretty great atmosphere and it just kind of feels like a swim meet back home in Australia and I pretend everyone's there cheering for me.

"I think when you're in the zone it doesn't really matter. It's really disappointing that the Japanese people can't come out and watch us and that's quite sad."

The Instagram message Titmus asked her friend to post said: "Dare to dream ... because sometimes dreams really do come true.

"Thank you everyone back home and around the world for all your support, it has been overwhelming."

Eddie Ockenden and Josh Beltz helped the Kookaburras maintain their 100 per cent record with a 4-2 victory over New Zealand late on Wednesday evening.

One of only nine Australians to go to four Olympic Games, Ockenden extended his national appearance record to 376 as he captained the side to a fourth win.

Despite 17 straight victories against their trans-Tasman rivals, the Australians were kept at bay until the final quarter with the scores tied for more than half the match.

Two goals from Tim Brand, Blake Govers' sixth of the tournament and Tom Wickham did the damage as a Kane Russell penalty-corner brace kept the Kiwis in the contest.

Having also defeated Japan (5-3), India (7-1) and Argentina (5-2), the Kookaburras are assured of progression to the quarter-finals with one Pool A match remaining against Spain at 11am on Friday.

Nathaniel Atkinson's maiden Olympics is over after the Olyroos lost their final group match to Egypt.

Having received yellow cards in the opening-match 2-0 win over Argentina and the 1-0 loss to Spain, the 22-year-old Riverside Olympic product, who had been among Australia's best players in both games, was suspended from the pivotal Group C encounter.

Egypt's 2-0 win saw it finish second behind group leader Spain and advance to Saturday's quarter-finals at the expense of Argentina.