"Total legend": Australia falls in love with swimmer's dad
Ariarne Titmus might have claimed a silver medal in the final of the women’s 200m freestyle, but her father cheering in the stands has become a new national icon.
The 17-year-old was just 0.04 seconds from snatching a gold medal from Canadian Taylor Ruck, and a quick look at her father in the stands shows just how close she came to history.
Steve Titmus, a former Tasmanian cricketer, captured the imagination of Australians watching at home with his over-the-top cheering from the grandstand bleachers.
How good is this!? Steve Titmus is mic'd up watching his daughter win silver at #GC2018. What do you think his heart rate hit in that last 10m? 😂
FYI Steve used to be a 7News presenter in Tasmania! #7CommGames pic.twitter.com/40h0UgKN5q— 7CommGames (@7CommGames) April 5, 2018
The proud parent was wearing a microphone from Channel 7, and cameras captured the special moment as he watched his daughter come within a hair of history.
“C’mon Annie, C’mon Annie,” he says.
“Good turn, now. F***, yes, good turn. Push. Push of that wall. Push. Go Annie. Go. Go Annie. Keep going now. Go. Go Annie, c’mon. Faster, faster. Go, go. Woo. Yes. Wooo.”
Titmus might’ve fallen agonisingly short but her father seemed proud of her performance, and Australians watching at home loved the glimpse at the parent.
That footage of Titmus' dad riding her home in that last 50m will be played for years to come. GOLD. Well Silver, but GOLD. Tell me it doesn't mean anything. #GC2018 #GC2018Swimming
— Andrew Bryan (@AndrewBryan321) April 5, 2018
Loving @7Sport secondary camera on the Titmus family's reaction to Ariarne Titmus's 2nd place in the 200m free. Great telie.
— Annette Sharp (@InSharpRelief) April 5, 2018
What are your thoughts? Have you been watching the Commonwealth Games?