Titmus’ record is under threat, and a rising star is coming for her mantle

There was a determined sparkle in Ariarne Titmus’ eyes when she issued a telling message of her intent, and with that, a warning to rest of Australia’s Olympic Games’ hopefuls.

“I have to know where I’m at.”

It sent a signal that the 400-metre freestyle champion would be leaving nothing in the tank at next week’s Olympic trials, resolute in her quest to add another chapter to her legacy in Paris.

But while the Queensland sensation will be putting all her cards on the table in Brisbane, a rising star is plotting her downfall, and the chance to announce herself as the new queen of the pool.

Titmus, the Tokyo gold medallist in the 400-metre and 200-metre freestyle, remains the world record holder in the former, but 20-year-old Mollie O’Callaghan will take on the trials as fastest on the planet in the 200-metre event.

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The Logan product conquered Titmus at the Australian Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast in April, having achieved world glory at the 2023 World Aquatic Championships (1:52.85) in a rapid evolution since her shock omission from the nation’s 200-metre relay team at the last Olympics.

And Titmus, who will feel the same pressures that come with being the hunted leader, saw some similarities in their respective paths to the top.

“A little bit, but Mollie and I are very different athletes and I can’t speak to her preparation. I feel like everyone is an individual and I know what I’m doing right now to prepare myself for the Games and that’s all I’ll be worrying about,” Titmus said.