Cameron McEvoy reveals he sensed it was coming

Titmus took to social media to reveal his time away from the pool since Paris opened him up to some things in his life that are more important than swimming.

“I definitely understand where he is, I was almost in that position after Tokyo 2021, so I’m lucky enough to be in a position now where longevity plays a big role in how I handle my season,” McEvoy said.

“The motivation is there because I’m swimming the best I’ve ever done, I believe there’s still room to improve and after two Olympics the home games are coming up. I see no reason to move away from that.”

Titmus’ decision leaves Australia searching for its next golden child ahead of the Los Angeles Games, with Mollie O’Callaghan the likely heir apparent to the Gold Coast-based superstar.

The 21-year-old Queenslander won five gold medals in individual and relay events in Paris; among them was the 200-meter freestyle, where he surpassed Titmus.

O’Callaghan and Lani Pallister are now key parts of Australia’s Olympic record-breaking 200m freestyle relay team following the retirements of Paris teammates Titmus and Throssell.

While McEvoy felt the need to “let the dust settle” before appointing Titmus’ 400-meter successor, Jones said there were no fears about who would replace the 200-meter duo.

“She will be one of the best female middle distance swimmers ever,” Jones said of Titmus.

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“It’s a bit of a loss, but it also leaves a legacy for the next generation of young athletes and gives them an opportunity. [Brisbane] 2032 is coming, it has left us in a really good situation.

“We don’t have to worry about Australian 4 x 200 depth [metres] female swimmers. Australia is really in good hands and has opportunities like this [Australia vs The World] It will just encourage the next generation to really push and put themselves in a position to be a Dolphin in the future.”

Australian swimming experts will get their first taste of who could take over from Titmus when the Australia v The World match arrives at The Valley Pool, which will include 25-metre sprints and tickets go on sale on Thursday afternoon.

World 400-meter freestyle men’s champion Lucas Martins from Germany will attend the show.

McEvoy believed that Titmus’ retirement increased the need to add more such events to the calendar, and announced his intention to break the 21-second barrier that implied him.

“It makes it more important for events like this to attract public attention because we have seen people like Ariarne Titmus and Emma McKeon leave the sport, which means we need to showcase the incoming Dolphins,” McEvoy said.

“We need to develop their stories and bring them to the public so that as we move into Los Angeles, and particularly Brisbane, into 2032, the public will be exposed to more of the backstories and stories of these young Dolphins who will be the face of the team.”

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