Pool-deck hug shows the Terminator’srival not amachine

OF all the accolades Ariarne Titmus has received, it was a simple act of courtesy from the woman she beat that she will treasure the most.

Though hugging is banned, the American walked straight up to Titmus on the pool deck and wrapped her arms around the Australian, congratulating her for winning the gold.

Unused to losing, Katie Ledecky was beaten fair and square after a titanic struggle. She had no excuses. She had come to race and was at her best, unlike when she lost to Titmus at the 2019 world championships.

Titmus beat Ledecky then, too, but the American was sick at the time and in no mood for cosying up to her greatest rival after the race.

It’s an open secret they are not the best of friends, but maybe they can become pals after being involved in one of the greatest races in Olympic history.

Whether they like it or not, their lives are now forever intertwined.

“I can’t be too disappointed,” Ledecky said. “I felt like I fought tooth and nail and that’s all you can ask for.

“I think we’ve both helped each other. When we meet up, it’s always a great race.

“I hope we have many more great races this week and in the future.”

Titmus was gracious in victory, telling Ledecky that their respect was mutual.

“If I didn’t have someone like her to chase, I definitely wouldn’t be here,” Titmus said.

“She has set this amazing standard for middle-distance racing for girls, and I definitely wouldn’t be here without her.

“I am so grateful to have her, and now it’s good to have someone that I can race all the time.

“It’s super fun, more than anything I just had fun out there. Being in the battle is the best thing.’’