In recent years, the women’s 200m freestyle race has been the scene of an enthralling duel between Ariarne Titmus and Mollie O’Callaghan. Tokyo champion against world champion, the pair have traded world records and then, on Monday night, the Olympic crown. O’Callaghan’s victory over Titmus was the culmination of a thrilling struggle between two great freestyle champions.
On Thursday night, rivals became teammates as Titmus and O’Callaghan lifted Australia to the gold medal and a new Olympic record in the women’s 4x200 freestyle relay. It is the Dolphins’ fifth gold medal in six days in the Paris 2024 pool, with three days of competition remaining.
