Swimming world champion Ariarne Titmus has revealed how undergoing surgery less than a year before the Paris Olympics became a turning point in her life.
The 25-year-old retired from swimming in late 2025 to spend more time with her family and boyfriend Mac Powell.
Titmus has now opened up about having two benign tumours removed from one of her ovaries and how the experience changed her outlook.
‘It was probably the most pivotal moment in time where I can pinpoint an exact moment I had a huge perspective shift,’ she told News Corp.
‘It was something very challenging to deal with in the lead up to an Olympic Games where I had big goals to win gold medals and was expected to perform.’
Ariarne Titmus (pictured with boyfriend Mac Powell) has opened up about the pair’s flourishing relationship
Titmus (pictured) retired from swimming late last year
Titmus has revealed the harrowing experience influenced her perspective on life completely.
‘It made me realise very quickly what I want from my life and how easily that could’ve been taken from me,’ she added.
‘It certainly has played into my opinion on how important family is and they are the one thing you’ve got to cherish in life.’
The swimming great has since revealed her new relationship has come exactly when she needed it.
Within nine months of her retirement announcement, she has moved cities and now resides in Melbourne with Powell.
‘I can’t believe the cards the universe dealt me post Olympics and the precision of the timing, the perfect timing that it was for him to come into my life,’ she said.
‘It 100 per cent was meant to be at that point in time.’
Amazingly, the happy couple were were set up on a blind date by a family friend moments after the Paris Olympics.
The 25-year-old (pictured) is widely regarded as one of Australia’s greatest ever swimmers
Titmus (pictured) has since acquired several media roles – and has worked on swimming broadcast teams
‘He is incredible,’ Titmus said.
‘We come from totally different walks of life.
‘I feel very grateful he’s never looked at me as Ariarne the swimmer that everyone sees.
‘He’s taught me the importance of family.
‘[He’s also taught me] how precious time is with the people that you love and I’m very grateful that I found someone that was going to support me either way.’
