Tokyo Olympics: Ariarne Titmus’ coach, dad shed tears after epic 400m freestyle gold medal

Chris RobinsonThe West Australian
Camera IconAriarne Titmus embraces coach Dean Boxall. Credit: VALDRIN XHEMAJ/EPA

With a 200m freestyle heat awaiting her later in the evening, gold medal hero Ariarne Titmus did her best to contain her emotions as she was crowned Australian swimming’s newest champion.

But the special men in her life didn’t do the same.

As Titmus was awarded her medal for an epic 400m freestyle win over arch rival Katie Ledecky, the tears flowed from Titmus’ father Steve and her coach Dean Boxall - after the latter had become a viral sensation for his jubilant immediate reaction to the victory.

“It was actually hard to contain it,” Titmus said of her emotions as she stood on the podium.

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“I could see Dean on the other side bawling his eyes out. You don’t really see that often, so that made me want to tear up.

“I’m just trying to contain it. I’ve got a busy night tonight with the 200 (freestyle heats), so I can enjoy all of this at the end.”

MORE OLYMPICS:

Boxall was crowned by Australian social media as typifying the mood of the nation for his celebration upon the final moments of the win, which left a volunteer next to him stunned.

VideoAriarne Titmus' coach has just launched a celebration for the ages after the 20-year-old's 400m freestyle win.

Titmus paid tribute to her father and mother Robyn, who she said she had inherited her toughness from.

“My mum is the most competitive person I know, so I think i definitely get this competitiveness from her,” she said.

“I knew that Dad would be probably crying - he’s a bit of a softie.”

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