Ariarne Titmus

Titmus was already established as one of Australia’s greatest swimmers after her breakout Games in Tokyo and added to that legacy in Paris as she claimed back-to-back 400m gold, along with 200m silver, 800m silver and gold with the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay.

Her rivalry with legendary American Katie Ledecky would become a beacon of mutual respect, while her ability to deliver under pressure as the world watched on would serve as motivation for the green and gold contingent. Indeed, Titmus went into the Games with the mindset of a ‘need’ to get Team Australia off to a golden start – not herself, or the Dolphins, but Team Australia.

She also allowed fans and the media into the full range of Olympic emotions, from the highs of victory to the challenges of defeat. Through it all she was a model of humility, especially alongside teammate, training partner and rival Mollie O’Callaghan, who stormed to 200m freestyle gold.

Titmus stepped into the spotlight in 2023 as an advocate for women's health. The removal of a benign tumour in her right ovary put an issue facing all female athletes front and centre – the struggle of prioritising sporting career over fertility and family.

She now proactively promotes wellbeing and balance and has emerged as a leader within the Dolphins’ program through her actions and behaviours.