Usually, when fans hype up a match, it never goes beyond the expectations. However, the 400-meter freestyle race between Ariarne Titmus and Katie Ledecky exceeded expectations. The exciting duel saw the Australian swimmer follow up her performance in the 2019 World Championships to beat Ledecky at Tokyo Olympics 2020. Titmus’ victory in the 400-meter freestyle stopped Ledecky’s chances of consecutive gold medals.
Apart from the fans, the excitement of the duel kept coaches pumped up for the event. The obvious one would be Boxall’s reaction to the victory. Australian swimming coach Dean Boxall, Titmus’ mentor, could not hide his excitement at the end of the race.
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Titmus’ coach is pumped up at the Tokyo Olympics 2020
The race was an exciting duel between two of the greatest distance swimmers in the world right now. While she shocked the world in South Korea, no one would have picked the Aussie to beat Ledecky in Tokyo. However, Titmus finished the race with a time of 3:56.69 and won the gold medal. Ledecky, though, was right behind her back and won the silver medal by setting a time of 3:57.36. B.J. Li came in third place to hand China a bronze. She finished with a time of 4:01.08.
If my coach doesn't react like this when I have a big win then i don't want it 🙄 https://t.co/9utbDyuyGc
— Daria Saville (@Daria_gav) July 26, 2021
The race was a tight battle from start to finish and Titmus’ victory was well deserved. Dean Boxall couldn’t contain his excitement as he took off his mask and fist-pumped into the air. Funnily enough, a Japanese official looked terrified, and it was a moment for the ages.
Australia's women's water polo team embodied every Aussie as Ariarne Titmus won gold in Tokyo.
The Stingers were glued to their screens on the team bus, before going wild as Titmus beat Katie Ledecky to become an Olympic champion.
Where were you for this iconic win? #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/VuH6iJL1t9
— 10 News First (@10NewsFirst) July 26, 2021
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Titmus vs Ledecky was a technical race
The duo will meet again in the 200-meter and 800-meter freestyle events. The 200-meter freestyle will be a tight battle as well with both these competitors looking to win. But, the 800-meter freestyle would be difficult for Titmus as Ledecky’s dominance is equal to Adam Peaty in the breaststroke events.
Notably, Ledecky led the race for the first 300-meters. Likewise, Titmus was just 0.16 seconds behind her going to the final 100-meters. This was where the difference came in as Ariarne Titmus swam her heart out to pip Ledecky to gold.
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The victory might look like a changing of the guard, but Ledecky will be back in the rest of the events. Because she is just that good. The exciting duel continues to the 200-meter as Titmus and Ledecky will once again show the world why they are the best swimmers in the world. The Tokyo Olympics 2020 is living up to its expectations.
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