The City of Launceston has given itself 60 days to look into the recognition it can give to dual gold medallist Ariarne Titmus after her world-beating heroics at the Tokyo Olympics.
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She could become the sixth person to receive the keys to the city, or have the 50-metre pool at the Launceston Leisure and Aquatic Centre named in her honour, while some councillors provided examples of other recognition given to Olympic heroes in other cities.
Councillors approved a motion at this week's meeting to give officers 60 days to investigate all options, including consulting with 20-year-old Titmus herself.
Her and her family's wishes would be central to the council's decision-making, something Councillor Alan Harris was keen to pursue.
He said he already spoke with Titmus' parents Steve and Robyn to gauge whether bestowing such honours on her at a young age would add to the pressure she experiences on a daily basis.
"Robyn responded in a way that reassured me that Arirane has been living under immense pressure for the past few years," Cr Harris said.
"As a 14-year-old, when your parents decide to up roots and move to another state to help you succeed in your chosen field,it puts a lot of pressure on you every day to make sure that what you'd done for them is worthy.
"Pressure? Her comment to me, I think it was, 'she eats pressure for breakfast'."
Launceston has a proud history of athletes reaching the pinnacle of their sports, as shown in the list of individuals who have already received keys to the city. They include Ricky Ponting, Daniel Geale, Richie Porte and Ken Gourlay, as well as composer Peter Sculthorpe AO OBE.
In response to questions that Titmus was still too young to receive such an honour, deputy mayor Danny Gibson said she had already eclipsed some of the all-time greats of Australian sport.
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"She is a dual Olympic champion who hails from Launceston," he said.
"She has achieved the highest of heights in her area of expertise, in her area of passion, and here is an opportunity for our city to recognise her."
Australia is dotted with swimming pools named in honour of gold medallists, including Dawn Fraser, Murray Rose, Ian Thorpe, Susie O'Neill, Petria Thomas and Emily Seebohm.
Sydney Harbour is also home to ferries named after Olympic heroes.
A report will be prepared for council over the coming 60 days, before a final decision is made on the recognition bestowed upon Titmus.
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