Ariarne Titmus and Mollie O’Callaghan have paid credit to their coach Dean Boxall after both smashing the 200m freestyle world record on Wednesday night.
The pair produced an electric moment at the Australian swimming trials, with Titmus coming out a narrow winner with a time of 1:52.23 to a raucous ovation.
The performances from Titmus and O’Callaghan put their Olympic rivals on notice ahead of Paris 2024, with both women looking in red-hot form.
Speaking to Nine after the race, Titmus admitted having such stiff competition from her Aussie teammates has given her no choice but to improve.
“This field was so hotly contested,” she said.
“Mollie and I really have to put our best foot forward.
“I’m just really happy to finally produce a swim in the 200 that I feel like my training reflects.
“The field that we have is why we are swimming so fast. We push each other every day.”
O’Callaghan finished with a time of 1:52.48 in the event, and despite the emotional nature of her loss, was still more than happy to pay credit to Titmus.
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“I think it’s amazing. We push each other to be the best of our limits,” she said.
“It really shows how hard we train. I’m still learning and getting used to this 200m freestyle. It’s a very difficult event to get your head around.
“I couldn’t really sleep … The past few days I’ve just been getting eaten up by nerves.”
World-renowned coach Boxall was at his animated best as his two superstars went past the record and Titmus opened up on their relationship in a touching moment.
“To have five girls under Dean in that final is incredible and it’s a credit to him,” she said.
“When you’ve got someone like that in your corner, you’d beat everyone. He has the most passion and the most pride to be a part of this swim team.
“I’ve been with Dean since I was 15, I have basically grown up alongside him. He’s more than just my coach; he’s my best friend.
“It’s pretty cool to have him along the journey and for him to show his passion. That’s exactly who he is – he’s not putting it on. I feel really special to have him as my coach.”