“I’m Excited”: Katie Ledecky’s Rival Ariarne Titmus Starts Preparing for Paris Olympics 2024

After a successful Tokyo Olympics 2020, Olympians took some time out to rest, recover and restart. However, legendary swimmer Katie Ledecky’s arch-nemesis, Australian sensation, Ariarne Titmus is yet to take her next dive, enjoying life away from the pool.

Courtesy of the pandemic, the Tokyo Olympics 2020 was delayed by a year. Hence, athletes will not have four but three years to prepare for Paris Olympics 2024. Refocusing on their sports, athletes have already begun preparations for their campaign in France.

One of the most decorated swimmers in history, USA’s Katie Ledecky, has shifted her base to Florida to prepare for her fourth innings at the mega games. Notably, her young prodigy Ariarne Titmus will also start her preparations to defend her titles in Paris.

Fitness > swimming

21-year-old swimmer Ariarne clinched four Olympic medals at her maiden mega games. Notably, two out of four were gold medals in 200m and 400m freestyle events. However, since her appearance in Tokyo, she has not stepped into the pool.

Currently, on a sabbatical, Ariarne has been spending her time doing things other than swimming, like horse riding. She has also been attending events to interact with fans.

However, she will finally start her Paris Olympics training soon. Although, in conversation with Swimming World, she revealed something unusual. Apparently, Ariarne misses the feeling of being fit more than swimming.

Titmus said, “I haven’t as such missed swimming, I have missed the feeling of being fit and being really good at swimming and I’ve kind of lost that. So I’m looking forward to getting the feel of the water again and getting back in touch with it all and I’m excited for that.”

Katie Ledecky’s rivalry with Ariarne Titmus

Going into Tokyo Olympics 2020, Katie Ledecky was the favorite to top the medal tally in the women’s swimming events. Ledecky was the reigning champion in 200m, 400m, 800m individual freestyle events. To everyone’s surprise, including Katie, Ariarne clinched the gold medal in 200m and 400m women’s freestyle race.

Both the Olympic stars are now onto their training for their next Olympic innings. Will Katie seek redemption at the Paris Olympics 2024, or will Titmus surprise her again? A worthwhile battle awaits.

Read more: “I Kind of Laughed”: Katie Ledecky Rubbishes Retirement Talk Ahead of Paris Olympics 2024