Mental test for Titmus

ARIARNE Titmus knows what she needs to do to live up to her billing as Australia’s next big swim star.

Keep quiet. And think strategically.

The 18-year-old is now a Commonwealth record holder, setting a fresh benchmark in the 200m freestyle of 1min 54.30sec at the national titles in Adelaide on Tuesday night.

She’s entering a 16-month block which could define her career – world championships in July, then the 2020 Toyko Olympics.

Titmus has already plotted her path. And it revolves as much about mental deeds as physical.

“I feel like when I race, I perform when I’m really focused and don’t really talk to anyone,” Titmus said.

“I’m usually known as quite a chatty person and it distracts.

“I have to make sure if I want to race fast that I try to internalise.”