Who is Ariarne Titmus' coach? Australian swimming coach goes viral after wild celebrations

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Australian Ariarne Titmus beat fierce rival Katie Ledecky in the women’s 400m freestyle on Monday. Her coach, Dean Boxall, however, stole the show with his jubilant celebrations in the crowd.

Ariarne Titmus beats Katie Ledecky in women’s 400m freestyle

Australia’s Ariarne Titmus overcame five-time Olympic gold medallist Katie Ledecky to win the women’s 400m freestyle.

Ledecky, 24, the American world record holder, set her second fastest time ever in the event, but Titmus was too powerful down the finish.

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“I can’t believe it, I’m trying to contain my emotions,” Titmus said after taking gold.

However, amid the celebrations the swimmer still paid tribute to her fierce rival Ledecky.

“I wouldn’t be here without her,” the 20-year-old said. “She set this incredible standard. All credit to her for the swimmer she is.”

Among the triumph, though, it was Titmus’ swimming coach that had social media talking.

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Who is Ariarne Titmus’ coach?

Ariarne Titmus’ coach and Australia swimming coach Dean Boxall became an instant social media hit after his student took gold.

His wild celebrations saw him pump the air in the spectators box before ripping his mask off and rattling a safety bar.

The coach explained the celebration had paid homage to 1980s and 90s wrestling star The Ultimate Warrior, who he described as “my favourite”.

“I used to follow him. My brother was… I can’t remember who he was, but I was the Ultimate Warrior. We used to wrestle at home when I was around about 10,” he said.

“I just loved him.

“It just came out. When I saw the race unfolding, I couldn’t keep it in.”

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Social media reacts

After the jubilant reactions by Boxall, social media was understandably awash with comments praising his enthusiasm.

After the medal ceremony, Boxall said he was thrilled and proud of his protege for edging out Ledecky.

“When i saw her starting to build, I thought, ‘Here we go… she can do this’,” he said.

“Unbelievable to execute that under pressure.”

Joshua Rogers

Joshua is a senior sports writer with over four years' experience in online writing. He graduated with a BA in Ancient History from The University of Manchester before receiving an MA in Sports Journalism from The University of Central Lancashire. He became a trending writer for a leading social publisher and later spent time covering the 2018 World Cup for The Mirror Online. He then moved to a social marketing agency where he acted as website editor. His specialties on The Focus include F1, tennis, NBA, NFL and combat sports.