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Arch Rivals Katie Ledecky and Ariarne Titmus Set for Their First Showdown Since 2020 Tokyo Olympics Clash
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics was an incredible sporting event. Katie Ledecky won two gold medals but faltered in the 400-meters freestyle event against Ariarne Titmus. After beating the champ at the 2019 Swimming World Championships in Gwangju, Titmus repeated the same in Tokyo. Hence, the event branched out a new rivalry; one that will come to life again now.
As Titmus won’t take part in the 19th Fina World Championships in Hungary, fans are left disappointed. However, the rivals will return for a face-off in the Duel in the Pool 2022 event. Understandably, fans are excited to see what drama unfolds this time.
An epic showdown: Katie Ledecky vs Ariarne Titmus
Surely, the event to grab maximum headlines will be the 400-meters freestyle. Both Titmus and Ledecky provided a duel for the ages in Tokyo. While Ledecky took the lead in the event, Titmus swam back and fought hard for a well-deserved gold medal.
It was an iconic race that will undoubtedly be talked about for years to come. As fans have been waiting for a rematch, the Duel in the Pool event is the perfect place to rekindle this fierce rivalry.
TOKYO, JAPAN – JULY 31: Silver medalist Ariarne Titmus of Team Australia poses during the medal ceremony for the Women’s 800m Freestyle Final at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on July 31, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Along with Ledecky and Titmus, Caeleb Dressel and Kyle Chalmers will also appear for the event. Both the USA and Australia are heavyweights in the swimming competitions. Not to mention, the two nations won 50 medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham commences on July 28th and will last up to August 8th; the Fina World Championships also end in July. Hence, the Duel in the Pool competition may be scheduled after the Commonwealth Games.
A battle for the ages
Both Ledecky and Titmus won two gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Titmus conquered the 200m and 400m freestyle while Ledecky won her signature 800m and 1500m events. To sum up, their rivalry will be a great watch for the fans.
TOKYO, JAPAN – JULY 28: Katie Ledecky of Team United States celebrates after winning the Women’s 1500m Freestyle Final on day five of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on July 28, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Another force to be reckoned with, Caeleb Dressel, who won five Olympic gold medals, will appear in the competition to go against his rival Kyle Chalmers. He won the silver medal at the Olympic Games in the 100-meters.
Other than Titmus and Ledecky, the sensational Emma McKeon, backstroke specialist Kaylee McKeown, and breaststroke master Zac Stubblety-Cook will appear for Team Australia.
Who are you backing for the ultimate win?
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