Ariarne Titmus emerged as one of the world's best female middle-distance swimmers, making waves on her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, winning two golds, a silver and a bronze in the pool.
Hailing from Tasmania, Australia, Ariarne rose to international fame with her incredible victories at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she claimed gold in both the 200m and 400m freestyle events. At just 24, Ariarne has already claimed four Olympic gold medals and is widely regarded as one of the worlds best athletes.
Ariarne is also gluten intolerant and fuels her success with a strict gluten free diet. After discovering a parasite in 2017 her gut was never the same and she learnt that gluten is the one thing that still causes her to have flare up symptoms! Ariarne is a massive inspiration for those following a strict gluten free diet and is passionate about sharing her experiences with gluten free living whilst competing as one of the worlds best athletes.
You've achieved so many amazing things in your career to date, is there a particular highlight that stands out for you?
Breaking the 400 freestyle world record LC was the last thing left on my bucket list of things in the pool to achieve. I remember when I did that I felt pure happiness, there was no pressure on me to perform the way I did at the time so it made it even better. I will say though, my 400 freestyle gold in Tokyo is a moment that changed my life forever.
When were you diagnosed with coeliac disease?
I am not coeliac, I am gluten intolerant. I had a parasite in 2017 and my gut was never the same! Gluten is the one thing that still causes me to have flare up symptoms.
What is the biggest setback you have had in your career and what helped you overcome the challenge?
I had a shoulder injury that had me not able to do any sort of high intensity training for the months of Jan-March in 2021. I basically had a 4 month run into Tokyo, which made me question if I’d done enough work. Knowing that I had banked so much more in the years prior gave me peace of mind. I also tried to improve on areas that I usually didn’t have the time to focus so heavily on. My kick and turns improved during that time.
How do you best navigate international/domestic travel whilst staying true to your gluten-free diet requirements?
Always be transparent with your dietaries. As hard as it is in the beginning to not feel like a burden, back yourself and what’s best for your body. Always pre pack snacks that you know you can eat and take responsibility for what goes in your body. You make have to put a bit of extra research or work into eating out or cooking but it’s for the better.
Have you ever felt any extra stress prior to events knowing the consequences if you accidentally consume gluten? If so, what have you done to manage this.
When there are limited options in particular counties it’s hard to maintain your energy requirements. It’s about being flexible and learning to compromise on particulars and taste. For instance, world champs 2019, everything was deep fried or cooked in sauces where I didn’t know all the ingredients. I took the safer bet and opted for boiled eggs and rice for lunch and dinner every day knowing exactly what was going into my body was gluten free.
Can you share any specific gluten free meals or snacks that you find particularly beneficial and enjoyable for fuelling your training and events?
I’m a potato and rice girly, I’d much rather eat that than gluten free pasta and bread options. There are so many gluten free snacks to choose from these days. Rice cakes and banana, yogurt and gf granola, dates. As long as you educate yourself, eating gluten free can become quite easy.
What advice would you give to aspiring athletes with dietary restrictions looking to excel in their chosen sport?
Fuelling is apart of your training and it’s not something you can lack in. It may take a bit more work than usual, but educating yourself as much a you can on what you can and can’t eat and different food groups and what they do is vital. Find a few staple items that you enjoy and you know are great for fuelling. Enjoy cooking for yourself so you know exactly what you’re eating. Don’t lack on your carb intake just because gluten is in mostly carbohydrates. Learn to fuel yourself in new ways with gluten free options.
Do you have a favourite motivational/inspirational quote?
Dream, believe, learn, achieve. ~ Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story, is there anything else you'd like to share?
I want everyone in the world to believe in their worth and abilities to take a chance and dream big. Follow your gut and don’t let anyone knock you down.