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

Add us on Google

Shreya Verma

Sep 28, 2021 | 5:30 AM EDT

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

Add us on Google

Shreya Verma

Sep 28, 2021 | 5:30 AM EDT

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.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

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.

Written by

Shreya Verma

609 Articles

Shreya Verma is a US Sports Content Strategist at EssentiallySports, with a focus on Olympic sports and athlete storytelling, covering beats like tennis, gymnastics, basketball, track and field, wrestling, and more. A qualified National Level air pistol shooter, she brings the unique perspective of both an athlete and a journalist to her work. Over the past four years at EssentiallySports, she has covered some of the biggest sporting stages, from managing the Olympic Sports desk during the Winter Olympics 2022 to spearheading the US Open 2025 coverage and content strategy. In 2024, she was on the ground in Paris for the Summer Olympics, where she interviewed legends and rising stars, including Carl Lewis, Laurie Hernandez, Fred Kerley, Noah Lyles, Quincy Hall, and Grant Holloway, who memorably offered her the chance to try on his gold medal. She also connected with icons and fan favorites such as Tom Brady, Katie Ledecky, Tara Davis & Hunter Woodhall, Andy Murray, Ilona Maher, Kevon Williams, Jonathan Owens, and Neeraj Chopra, while capturing emotional family perspectives from Nellie Biles, Jordan Chiles’ mother, Suni Lee’s mother, and Katie Ledecky’s brother, Michael. Her journalism is marked by authenticity, access, and a deep passion for highlighting perseverance and human connection in sports. Inspired by Olympic champions like Allyson Felix and Vincent Hancock, Shreya continues to carve her path as a storyteller.

Know more