Olympic swimming champion Ariarne Titmus says receiving an Australia Day honour takes her back to the Tokyo Olympics, where she can re-live some of the life-changing moments.

Ariarne won gold in the 200 and 400 metre freestyle, a silver in the 800 metre and a bronze in the relay.

She became the third Australian swimmer in history to win both the 200 and 400 metre freestyle events, all at the age of 20.

Overnight Ariarne was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia, something she said was incredibly special.

“I never dreamed when I began swimmingI would receive an honour like this today,” she told Scott Emerson.

“I just started swimming because I loved it and through the years I have put in a lot of work.

“Last year at Tokyo was a dream come true for me and then to receive the Australia Day honour today, it’s kind of like I’m going back to Tokyo and re-living some of the moments.

“Today has made me feel like more of a proud Australian, I feel so honoured and proud ot receive this honour, its been a special day.”

She said she would be sharing the honour with her family and swimming coach Dean Boxall.

“When he congratulated me this morning, I said this is for you too.”

Looking ahead to Paris 2024, she’s got a goal in mind.

“This is something that Dean and I had spoken about since the Olympics, that no Australian female swimmer has gone to the next Olympics and won the same event again.

“I think that’s something I would love to achieve.”

Press PLAY below to hear her more of her recollection of the Games + what’s ahead this year

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