There have been emotional scenes in the Paris pool with Australian swimming legend Ariarne Titmus coming a narrow second in the 800m freestyle to her great American rival Katie Ledecky.
It was a brave swim from an exhausted Titmus, who closed the gap on the US champ in the final lap, but just couldn’t muster the energy to overtake her.
American Paige Madden finished third, but it was all bout the swimming giants Ledecky and Titmus, who raised each other’s hand after the epic race.
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Titmus’ time of 8:12.29 was a new Oceanian record and a PB, while Ledecky made history with her fourth straight gold medal in this event.
After the race — her final one of this Olympics — Titmus was suddenly emotional, and choked back tears.
“This is the first time I’ve really let my emotions out,” she said.
“I felt so much pressure coming into these Games, just to hit my expectations, but I know a lot of people at home were willing and wanting me to win at these Games and defend my titles,” she said.
“To do it one day one makes me so proud and I can finally relax. It’s been a big week.
