<\/p>\n
The battle between 20-year-old Titmus and Ledecky, a five-time gold medallist across the past two Olympics, has been one of the most anticipated battles of the Tokyo Games.<\/p>\n
Titmus handed Ledecky her first-ever loss in a distance race at a major meet when she won the 400m at the 2019 world championships. Now she has dethroned the legend – a five-time Olympic gold medallist – on the biggest stage of all.<\/p>\n
There was talk of bad blood before the 400m final but the pair shared a nice moment in the pool and on the deck afterwards. Titmus was full of respect for her rival.<\/p>\n
"I thanked her. I wouldn't be here without her," Titmus said.<\/p>\n
"She set this incredible standard and all credit to her for the swimmer she is. I've just been trying to chase her.<\/p>\n
"It's really exciting now that we kind of have this battle going. It's really fun to race. That's the best part about it."<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ledecky took the race out hard, on her own world record pace. She might have hoped to break the Australian but could not shake Titmus.<\/p>\n
Ledecky led by 0.66 at the 200m mark, then just 0.16 at the 300m. Titmus took the lead at the final turn, then powered home to victory and glory.<\/p>\n
"I tried to stay as composed as I could and then just tried to stick to my race plan. I can't believe I actually pulled it off."<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
She joined only Gould and Lorraine Crapp as Australian champions in the women's Olympic 400m.<\/p>\n
Titmus will back-up for her 200m freestyle heat on Monday night.<\/p>\n
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