Olympic Champion Ariarne Titmus Confidently Navigates Road to Paris 2024 Post-Ovarian Surgery
Australian Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus opens up about her journey of recovery from ovarian surgery and how it will affect her quest to defend her titles at Paris 2024
Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus recently discussed her journey to recovery after undergoing ovarian surgery. The two-time Olympic champion had to have two benign tumours removed from her right ovary in September after doctors discovered the issue during an MRI scan for an injured hip. Titmus is now focused on overcoming this obstacle and defending her Olympic titles at Paris 2024.
She returned to action for the first time since July on Sunday, per Reuters, finishing second in the 200m freestyle final at the Queensland state championships.
Katie Ledecky of Team United States wins gold in the Women's 800m Freestyle Final at the Fukuoka 2023 World Aquatics Championships. She poses for a photo during the medal ceremony at Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall A on July 29, 2023 in Fukuoka, Japan. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Katie Ledecky, the swimmer, expressed that the excitement of winning a gold medal for Team USA is always thrilling. "I'm working hard to catch up and put in as much effort as possible, so I'm exhausted from racing here," Titmus told reporters after Sunday's race.
In September, Titmus shared on Instagram that she was dealing with medical issues and was worried about the impact of her treatment on her future ability to have children. The 23-year-old later explained that she decided to share her diagnosis out of concern that the information would eventually become public.
Titmus said it is quite confronting to have people asking for photos in the hospital. She added, "I've received many messages from women who have gone through the same thing and still had babies despite losing an ovary."
"That gave me confidence starting these conversations. I have to use my platform, not just as a swimmer," added Titmus.
Ahead of this weekend's race, the Australian last competed in July, 2023.
Manan Vatsyayana/AFP/Getty Images
Titmus expressed her eternal gratitude that doctors identified the issue when they did, considering it the opportune moment for her to have the surgery. She emphasized that if the tumors had been discovered any later, it would have completely derailed her entire Olympics.
She has until July of next year to prepare herself for the competition, as she aims to defend her titles in the 200m and 400m freestyle events. The Australian, who currently holds the world record in the 400m freestyle, is expected to face strong competition from athletes such as seven-time Olympic champion Katie Ledecky.
"I probably think Im actually in a better position now than what I thought I would be," Titmus said.
"Post-op, we were quite conservative with my recovery, we just didnt want anything to go wrong.
"I definitely have time, but I dont have time to waste."
