After winning the women’s 4×100 metres freestyle relay in Paris, Australia struck gold in the women’s 4×200 metres freestyle relay too, powered by two of the world’s fastest women over the distance: Mollie Callaghan and Ariarne Titmus. They finished the race in an Olympic record time of seven minutes 38.08 seconds at La Defense Arena.
The event was still big news in America as American Katie Ledecky became the most decorated female Olympic swimmer of all time, helping the United States claim silver in the race.
Ledecky swam a powerful third leg to haul teammates Claire Weinstein, Paige Madden, and Erin Gemmell from third to second place, 2.78 seconds behind the Ausralians.
China took bronze and Canada was fourth.
Ledecky now has 13 Olympic medals — eight golds, four silvers and a bronze — one more than compatriots Jenny Thompson, Dara Torres and Natalie Coughlin and Australia’s Emma McKeon.
“I feel like a bit of redemption for us.” – Ariarne Titmus
Aussie women’s freestylers? They’re just in a league of their own. #Paris2024 @codesportsau https://t.co/uisawzJq4L
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) August 1, 2024
The race
Australians Mollie O’Callaghan, Lani Pallister, Brianna Throssell and Ariarne Titmus, however, dominated the race from start to finish.
This was O’Callaghan’s third and Titmus’ second Paris Olympics gold. O’Callaghan won the 200-metre freestyle and was part of the quartet that won the 4×100-metre while Titmus triumphed in the 400 metres freestyle.
Australia led from the start, with O’Callaghan powering down the pool before handing over to Pallister. Pallister recovered from Covid earlier in the week and consolidated the lead for Throssell to keep Ledecky safely at bay.
Titmus anchored the Australians to victory.
“It was really fun. I feel like a bit of redemption for us. Tokyo was definitely not the result we wanted and I personally wasn’t happy with how I performed in the relay in Tokyo,” said Titmus.
Australia finished third in Tokyo, where China came first and the United States second.
“I feel like I have a role to play in this team and do the best job I possibly can. And I think I did that tonight. I’m proud that they had faith in me… to put me last and get the job done,” added Titmus.