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Ariarne Titmus recently shared her thoughts on Katie Ledecky, one of the greatest middle-distance swimmers of all time. The elite competitive swimmer from Australia expressed her views on the American's legacy in the sport, and the influence she had on the former's career.
Ariarne Titmus has clinched eight Olympic medals, nine World Championship medals, and four medals from the World Swimming Championships. The Launceston native is one of the most notable swimmers and set a new world record in the 200-metre freestyle in 2024.
Katie Ledecky, on the other hand, has clinched 26 World Championships medals and 10 medals from the Pan Pacific Championships. Titmus recently reflected on the influence the fourteen-time Olympic medallist had on her career (via Laureus Sports),
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"I undoubtedly say that, without her, I wouldn't be the athlete that I am today. She set this incredible standard for middle-distance freestyle that we were all trying to chase. And, I was just never afraid to take it to her and I think that's also helped this new generation of distance swimmers coming through with Summer McIntosh."
She further highlighted Ledecky's legacy in the sport, saying,
"It's so good for the growth of the sport and the development of swimming. The world of sports keeps moving and I think it's so important to have rivalry. I have the absolute, most respect for Katie [Ledecky], knowing the longevity she's had in swimming and how tough it is to stay at the top. To be going for five in a row in the 800 freestyle in LA is just remarkable."
Throughout her notable career, Titmus defeated Ledecky at the 2019 FINA World Championships, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Legendary competitive swimmer Katie Ledecky sets new world record in 800m freestyle
In the 2025 Pro Swim Series, the decorated swimmer Katie Ledecky posted a new world record in the 800 freestyle event. She finished her signature event in 8:04.12.
She lowered her timings from 8:04.79, which she posted at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Ledecky was nineteen when she achieved this prominent feat on the international stage.
Tyrsport, one of Ledecky's most prominent sponsors, shared her latest achievement on their Instagram account.
For her significant contributions to the sport, Ledecky was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024. She has also won five Female World Swimmer of the Year Awards.
