Paris Olympics are on and so is the chance to become immortal. Some are fighting for that elusive first medal and a few are battling to get their hands back on one. Australian Olympian Ariarne Titmus belongs to the latter category. The 2020 Olympics gold medalist is looking to continue that fine form in Paris. However, while her mission to retain that medal still goes on, it’s important to know where this iconic Olympian came from.

The 23-year-old Titmus has had a sporting dream since she was a child. It was this dream that forced her family to change towns. After all, while Ariarne Titmus’ blood, sweat, and tears are undeniable, so is the sacrifice that her family made. So perhaps it is time to know the story behind this Olympian who became an Australian Icon at just the age of 20!

Where was Ariarne Titmus born?

Ariarne Titmus was born September 7, 2000, in Launceston, Tasmania. She was the elder of the two daughters (the other one being Mia) that her parents Steve and Robyn Titmus have. Apart from her, Ariarne Titmus also has a half-brother, Christopher from her father’s previous marriage. As a child, Titmus always had an attraction toward athletics and her family too encouraged those dreams.

Her father Steve Titmus is a well-known journalist in Australia. Having worked in WIN Television and Channel 7 Adelaide, Titmus also ran in a Federal Election in 2010. However, while he was focused on his political and journalistic endeavors, Titmus noted that Ariarne’s swimming career was at risk of plateauing in Tasmania. As a result, the Titmus family made a drastic decision to move to Queensland.

Where does Ariarne Titmus live?

In May 2015, the Titmus family officially announced their move to Brisbane, Queensland. Ariarne Titmus was 14 at the time and was already being earmarked as a potential Olympian. As a result, it was important for the family to move to a place which has proper swimming infrastructure. Brisbane was that place, especially because Titmus was able to train with her coach there.

“Tasmania does not provide the structure for a swimmer who has reached Ariarne’s level and wants to explore their full potential,” Steve Ariane said. He later added how this was an extremely tough decision to make because of their attachment to Tasmania. However, they had “no choice,” because Queensland provided them with better long-term opportunities for growth. That began Ariarne Titmus’ journey to Brisbane where she has remained ever since.

One of the primary reasons for this step was Pete Gartrell – the coach of Titmus. He had lived in Tasmania for some time but returned to Queensland due to a lack of infrastructure. Within a few days of his return, the family decided to move. “I have a great connection with Peter and I am excited about having him back on pool deck with me,” Ariarne Titmus said. The rest as they say is history. But that raises the question – where did this iconic Olympian study?

Where did Ariarne Titmus go to school?

As she lived in Tasmania for 14 years, most of Ariarne Titmus’ initial education took place there. She attended St. Patrick’s College in Launceston. While she was there, Titmus did her swimming training at Launceston Leisure and Aquatic Centre. However, after winning 200, 400, and 800m freestyles in Tasmanian open records in 2014, it was time for her to take the next step. 

As a result, Ariarne Titmus moved to Brisbane and completed the rest of her education at St. Peter’s Lutheran College. On top of that, after learning a lot under Peter Gartrell, Titmus decided to change her coach. Eventually, she was coached by Dean Boxall at St. Peter’s Western Swim Club. That was the catalyst that ultimately pushed Ariarne Titmus into worldwide fame. 

So where did all of that hard work take her? Right at the top of the swimming world. Titmus is currently the record holder for fastest 200 m (1:52.23) and 400 m (3:55.38) freestyle. The fact that she made all of these records in 2023 and 2024 certainly bodes well for her Olympic dreams. But can she retain her gold? That will be found out soon.