Ariarne Titmus Secures Second Consecutive Gold in 400m Freestyle at Paris 2024
28 July 2024, Paris, France – Australia’s Ariarne Titmus claimed her second consecutive Olympic gold in the women’s 400m freestyle at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on 27 July. Titmus finished ahead of Canadian teenager Summer McIntosh, who took silver, and seven-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky, who claimed bronze.
Titmus, who is now the most decorated swimmer ever in the women’s 400m freestyle with three Olympic medals in the event, completed the race with a time of 3:57.49. McIntosh, at just 17 years old, held off Ledecky throughout the race to secure her first Olympic medal with a time of 3:58.37. Ledecky, finishing in 4:00.86, added to her impressive Olympic medal tally, bringing it to eleven.
Reflecting on her victory, Titmus expressed relief and joy, stating, “Oh, my legs are a bit tired, but I’m just relieved more than anything. I probably felt the expectation and pressure for this race more than anything in my life to be honest and I’m pretty good at handling the pressure but I’ve definitely felt it. I’m just happy to get the result for myself and I feel so honored to be a part of the race and be alongside legends like Katie.”
Titmus came into the Olympics in exceptional form, having shattered the 200m world record and posting the second-fastest 400m time ever at the Australian trials. Despite the competition from McIntosh and Ledecky, it was Titmus who dominated the race in Paris, maintaining a near world-record pace at the halfway mark and comfortably securing the gold.
Titmus will also compete in the 200m and 800m freestyle events at Paris 2024. Ledecky has opted out of the 200m freestyle, focusing instead on defending her titles in the 800m and 1500m freestyle. McIntosh, meanwhile, will prioritize the 200m and 400m medley and 200m butterfly events, skipping the 200m freestyle.
