- Parents of Aussie swimmers celebrate special gift as kids win gold medals
- Ariarne Titmus’s father hopes the tradition will endure
The parents of Australian swimmers who have clinched gold medals in Paris are filled with pride, marking this significant achievement with unique yellow jackets.
Steve and Robyn Titmus, Toni and Nick O’Callaghan, and Sharon McKeown have received these jackets in recognition of their children’s remarkable feats at the La Defense Arena pool.
Each jacket bears embroidery that represents significant moments, echoing memorable words spoken after previous Australian Olympic swimming successes.
This initiative was conceived by Stuart Giles, a supporter of the Dolphins swimming team, with Steve Titmus expressing his hope that the celebration surrounding these gold jackets will become a beloved tradition for future Olympic families.
‘It’s a fun thing,’ he remarked after receiving the jacket post Ariarne’s 400m freestyle victory.
‘It’s turned into a tradition and I believe it will persist in years to come.’
Titmus was seen on camera expressing the significance of these gold jackets, acknowledging the sacrifices parents have made to support their children’s dreams of becoming Olympic swimmers.
He also recognized O’Callaghan’s achievements, pointing out that the 200m freestyle final showcased an ‘Aussie 1-2’ after his daughter secured silver.
Ariarne Titmus’s mother Robyn (left) hands over the gold jacket to Mollie O’Callaghan’s parents Toni and Nick after her victory in the 200m freestyle in Paris.
Steve Titmus, Ariarne’s father (left, after her 400m freestyle win), believes the gold jacket presentation will become a lasting Olympic tradition.
He also acknowledged McKeown for her outstanding performances in Tokyo and Paris.
The inaugural jacket presentations during the Games took place at Corcoran’s Irish pub, conveniently located within walking distance from the pool in Paris.
This venue also served as the celebration spot for the O’Callaghans after Mollie’s triumph in the 200m freestyle, paying homage to their Irish roots.
And Australia’s gold medal success in swimming is expected to continue, with contenders such as Zac Stubblety-Cook in the 200m breaststroke, Kyle Chalmers in the 100m freestyle, and Cam McEvoy in the 50m freestyle all anticipated to compete for medals.
Not to mention McKeown in the 200m medley, O’Callaghan in the 100m freestyle, and the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay featuring Titmus and O’Callaghan.
