Ariarne Titmus, the celebrated Australian swimmer, opens up about her transition from the pool to a new life in media and personal growth. Now 26 and two years since her last competitive event, she candidly discusses how her once rigid mindset of ‘all or nothing’ in swimming has evolved.

Titmus, who boasts an impressive tally of four Olympic gold medals, is promoting her memoir, Relentless, co-written with Phil Lutton. As she navigates a new chapter in Melbourne with fiancé Mac Powell, she reflects on the complexities of life beyond the black-and-white world of competitive swimming.

Key points from her journey include:

• The emotional and physical challenges following surgery to remove cysts that impacted her fertility.
• The intense relationship with her coach Dean Boxall, who played a pivotal role in her career and appears 229 times in her memoir.
• The shift in her mindset, recognizing the need for balance and understanding in life’s challenges.

Titmus acknowledges the pressure of her past, particularly in comparison to peers receiving accolades while she remained focused on her goals. She expresses gratitude for the support from figures like tennis champion Ash Barty, who advised her on the importance of choosing retirement on her own terms.

Looking ahead, Titmus contemplates how she would approach swimming with her future children, emphasizing that participation should be a choice, not an obligation. She is eager to embrace life’s next chapter, balancing her aspirations in motherhood and career.