Launceston swimming sensation Ariarne Titmus has claimed silver in what proved a brilliant opening day for Tasmanians at the Commonwealth Games.
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Titmus had qualified the fastest for her women’s 200m freestyle final earlier on Thursday at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.
But in the evening’s final, the 17-year-old fell just 0.04 seconds short of snatching the gold medal off Canadian teen Taylor Ruck.
Jake Birtwhistle was first to ignite state pride with a trademark kick in the final stages of the men’s triathlon to claim silver.
The Riverside talent had dropped outside the top 10 ahead of the run leg before slashing seconds towards the finish line, as he closed in on eventual South African winner Henri Schoeman.
But Burnie’s cycling star Amy Cure brought home Tasmania’s first gold in the women’s 4000-metre team pursuit, four years since taking home individual silver and bronze medals on the velodrome floors at Glasgow.
Their performances had shot Australia to the top of the medal leaderboard with five gold, four silver and six bronze towards the close of Thursday competition.
Titmus went on to break the former Commonwealth Games mark of 1:54.85 in the final, but it still was not enough to beat Ruck, also 17, who touched the wall first.
The proud Tasmanian, who moved to the Sunshine State three years ago to further advance her fledgling career, was far from shattered finishing second best.
“I can't really complain,” Titmus said moments after the close swim.
“I'm really excited. I wanted to win the gold, but she was better tonight, so I’m really happy with silver.”
Titmus, who was a part of the bronze-medal team in the 4x200m freestyle relay at the 2017 world championships, was also quick to reflect on what advances she has made in the pool.
“To think that a year ago, I wasn't even ranked in the world field for 200m and now I’m swimming 1:54:00 – it’s really exciting,” she said.
“My mind’s a bit more focused on how I raced in the event and I think that’s why I improved.
“So hopefully I can do the same with my other races.”
Dad Steve Titmus almost stole the spotlight – and fans on social media – amid his emotional barracking.
TV footage displayed him flailing his arms, pacing along his row of seats, battling to keep calm and yelling out louder as the race closed.
Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
