The Paris Olympics promise to be a thrilling spectacle, especially in the swimming events, where the competition is fierce, and the stakes are sky-high. Leading the charge is the Australian delegation, a powerhouse team boasting some of the greatest racers in the sport’s history. As the women’s 200m freestyle final approaches, all eyes are on one swimmer—Ariarne Titmus.

Former Olympian James Magnussen has declared Australia’s gold in this event as nearly a foregone conclusion, thanks in large part to Titmus’s extraordinary talent. Known for her fierce rivalry with the USA’s Katie Ledecky, Titmus was expected to dominate effortlessly, especially with Ledecky’s surprising withdrawal from the 200m race. But in the world of elite swimming, nothing is ever that simple.

The whispers around the Olympic Village suggest that Titmus might face unexpected challenges from her own teammates, adding an electrifying twist to the narrative. As the current world record holder, can Titmus live up to the immense expectations, or will an underdog rise from the shadows to challenge her reign? The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown, where the waters of the Olympic pool will reveal not just a victor, but a new chapter in swimming history.

The master plan to defeat Ariarne Titmus could be lying in broad daylight

Talking to The Run Home with Joel and Fletch podcast, uploaded on YouTube hours ago, Magnussen talked about how Ariarne’s coach could be her bane at the upcoming 200m free final race. Dean Boxall trains both Ariane Titmus and her national teammate Mollie O’Callaghan at St Peter’s Lutheran College but is having to meander around the hiccup of having to give both of them tips on how to take the other down at the upcoming clash. In the race in which only one can triumph supreme, Boxall will have some thinking to do, said Magnussen.

“Before the race, Dean Boxall has to go to Mollie and say, ‘Here’s your game plan for tonight to beat Ariarne Titmus’, and then he has to go to Ariarne
and say,’ Here’s your game plan tonight to beat Mollie O’Callaghan’,” James was heard saying in the podcast while admitting excitement to seeing how the whole thing pans out for the celebrity coach.

While it remains to be seen which of these stars edge out the other, Magnussen seems convinced that Australia will easily bag a spot on the top of the podium. Underscoring that the Aussies will be going into the competition with two of the best swimmers in the event, James stated bluntly about the country’s chances: ‘…guaranteed gold tonight in the women’s 200 freestyle it’s just who gets it“. However, it could be too early to predict.

A long list of champions waiting to pounce

The 200m free final will see stars from around the world competing for gold. Among them, the USA’s Claire Weinstein, the 2022 World Championships gold medalist is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with. Moreover, Yang Junxuan, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist will also come with all guns blazing. Despite Yang’s name also appearing in the WADA doping allegations, that are rocking the world, she can easily give her opponents a run for their money.

The Tokyo Games silver medalist in the 200m free race, Siobhán Haughey, too, will be looking to turn her medal to gold at the French capital, and others should take note of her prowess as well. New Zealand’s Erika Fairweather won a silver at the 2024 Doha World Championships, and her current form can become an insurmountable obstacle for many.

On the other hand, Mollie’s 1:52.48 in the distance is just a fraction behind Titmus’ 1:52.23, making them two of the favorites to win the race. But will Dean Boxall have the necessary means to face the potential civil war with a firm hand? Only time shall tell.