Paris Olympics: Tears Of Joy From Mollie O’Callaghan, Ariarne Titmus In Emotional Poolside Interview With Giaan Rooney
There were emotional scenes on pool deck at the Paris La Defense Arena at the conclusion of a high octane charged night three after a remarkable women’s 200m freestyle final between Australian training partners Mollie O’Callaghan and Ariarne Titmus.
Beginning with scenes of the two girls in their Australian trademark yellow caps, sitting next to each other in the tension-filled call room before the introductions in front of a raucous crowd.
SMILE OF AN OLYMPIC CHAMPION: Mollie O’Callaghan winner W 200 free Paris 24 Photo Courtesy Delly Carr Swimming Australia
The much anticipated Aussie match-up between the two girls from Brisbane’s St Peters Western Swim Club, won by Mollie O, ahead of team mate and triple Olympic champion “Arnie” Titmus who took back the world record from a shattered O’Callaghan at the Australian Trials.
Titmus quick to raise Mollie’s arm before the pair walked arm-in-arm and then greeting the crowd, thrusting their arms in the air to acknowledge their support.
With special hugs all-round reserved from their unwavering coach Dean Boxall – the maestro who has managed both his charges in an extraordinary feat of inspiring coaching, treading a fine line to get the best out of both his girls.
Australian head coach Rohan Taylor there to congratulate his star performers, so proud of them on a special day, alongside his Dolphins, before they were ushered down for the medal presentations – where former world record holder and 2008 Olympic champion Federica Pellegrini from Italy made the presentations in a moving moment, both girls standing arm-in-arm as they sang along to Australia’s National Anthem “Advance Australia Fair.”
The medals around their necks it was time to find their mums and dads – an extra special reunion -especially for Mollie, who had not seen or spoken to her parents for some weeks.
Before one final interview to round off a massive, a hard fought, joyous and emotional charged day of racing in the Olympic pool.
The new Olympic champ, standing alongside three-time golden girl Titmus, both girls becoming quite emotional talking to 2004 Olympic gold medallist Giaan Rooney on pool deck for Australian broadcaster Channel 9.
Mollie O releasing all her emotions, bursting into tears as she thanked her Mum and Dad.
Mollie O’Callaghan winner W 200free Paris 24 podium; Photo Courtesy: Delly Carr Swimming Australia
“Seeing them…that really hit me a little bit ..I swim mainly for them, they have put a lot of time into my swimming since I was a child and I wouldn’t be here without them, and I probably shouldn’t cry now,” said Mollie, who let it all out.
“But knowing how many hours they spent with me and I’m really fortunate to have them and my support team with me.”
Rooney coming to the rescue saying: “Mollie, you’ve been extraordinary throughout and I know your Mum and Dad have given up so much, taking you to training for many, many years from Logan up to Brisbane..you are allowed to enjoy this moment darling..you are an Olympic champion..good luck in the 100m tomorrow ..but enjoy this moment.”
With a quivering Mollie O, saying..”th-thank you” Rooney admitting “you are making me cry now” And with that, all three girls were shedding tears.
Titmus saying: “But these are happy tears; you work for these moments..I know what it’s like to be an Olympic champion; I’m happy that Mollie gets to feel that now…standing up there on the podium with Mollie, it’s very special doing it with your team mate.
“It is really special to have this in our country…I’m so proud to be part of this era in swimming and I’m trying to keep my emotions together ..it’s really hard, we work so hard to experience this in front of our family and friends and it brings everything to the surface ….and I’m absolutely over the moon with the silver.”
You get the sense there is more to come with O’Callaghan to line up in the 100m freestyle tomorrow, Titmus the 800m later in the week with the two fastest girls in the world spearheading Australia in the 4x200m freestyle relay.
THANK YOU AUSTRALIA: With Love from Mollie O’Callaghan winner W 200free Paris 24 Photo Courtesy Delly Carr Swimming Australia