• In Commonwealth Games 2022, the two-time Tokyo.
• Gold medalist defeated O’Callaghan’s formidable battle.
• Set a new games record in the 200m freestyle (1:53.89).

Ariarne Titmus, a star swimmer for the Australian Dolphins, overcame a serious scare from Mollie O’Callaghan to win her first gold medal.

At the finish line, the two athletes were separated by just 0.12 seconds, with O’Callaghan matching Titmus’ last 50m stroke for stroke and even pulling alongside her, posing a danger to win the race.

We live in a country with such depth, and there is always someone there, which I enjoy.

Australia also won the 400m freestyle final, sweeping the board behind a strong performance from Elijah Winnington.

The world champion made a statement by taking the lead right away. Samuel Short, 18, won the silver, and Mack Horton held off Daniel Wiffen of Northern Ireland to earn the bronze.

By the 100m mark, the trio had taken the first three positions after Winnington accelerated to a breakneck pace.

The Queenslander set a world record at the midway point of the race before fading a little in the latter stages.

In the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay, William Xu Yang, Kyle Chalmers, O’Callaghan, and Emma McKeon won another another gold medal.

Although they started out as favourites, England gave them a run for their money at the halfway point until O’Callaghan and McKeon came roaring home.

In the 400-meter individual medley, Kiah Melverton took second place and the silver medal, while Jenna Forester placed seventh.

While Brenden Hall and Harrison Vig finished fourth and fifth in the men’s backstroke S9, respectively, and Emily Beecroft took home bronze in the 100-meter freestyle S9 final, Ellie Cole placed fifth in her final event for the Australian squad.

While Mathew Wilson finished fourth in the 200-meter breast stroke and Zac Stubbelty-Cook won the event, Brianna Throssell and Emma McKeon qualified for the 100-meter butterfly finals.

The biggest surprise of the evening was the elimination of Chalmers and Cody Simpson from the 50-meter butterfly semifinals, which involved all three Australian competitors.

However, Titmus outperformed the 18-year-old and the duo, who are both coached by Dean Boxall, hugged after the race as Madi Wilson came in third to guarantee an All-Australian podium.

Titmus told 7SPORT that she was not at all startled by O’Callaghan’s challenge and that it was enjoyable to be put to the test in this manner.

She said, “I knew Molly would be there; she’s been killing it in training, and she’s young, fiesty, and she’s hungry.

“Given the preparation I had, I’m pleased with the timing.

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