Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus, OAM announced as Melbourne Cup Carnival Ambassador

Ariarne captured the hearts of the nation last year after winning gold in the 200m and 400m freestyle at the Tokyo Olympics and more recently further cemented herself as one of the country’s best ever swimmers after winning four gold medals at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. The Tasmanian born athlete also set a new world record in the 400m freestyle at the Australian championships in Adelaide earlier in the year.

The champion swimmer was awarded an Order of Australia at the start of the year for her achievements in the pool. 

Ariarne returns as an ambassador for the VRC for the second year in a row after celebrating Lexus Melbourne Cup Day from home in Brisbane last year.

A horse lover from a young age, Ariarne grew up riding ponies on her family’s property in Tasmania and competed in dressage and show jumping competitions before making the decision to progress her promising swimming career.

After being unable to travel to Flemington last year for Cup Week, Ariarne is looking forward to being trackside this year.

“I absolutely love horses and the lessons I learnt while competing in dressage and show jumping from the age of seven have carried me through into my swimming career and shaped me into the competitor I am today,” Miss Titmus said.

“The Melbourne Cup Carnival is truly one of my favourite events on the calendar as it combines my love of sport, fashion and entertainment in one show-stopping event.  I cannot wait to watch the horses in person this year and be part of this glorious national event!”

VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said the club was delighted to celebrate Ariarne’s achievements and welcome her back to the VRC’s stable of ambassadors for 2022.

“It’s fantastic to have Ariarne return as an ambassador for this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival and we look forward to welcoming her trackside to experience the magic of the carnival for the first time,” Mr Rosich said.

“Ariarne is one of Australia’s most talented athletes and her spirit and determination have inspired a nation. The VRC are incredibly excited to celebrate her achievements alongside our other incredible athletes on and off the track as part of this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival.”

The Melbourne Cup Carnival is traditionally one of Victoria’s biggest sporting and cultural events, attracting up to 300,000 racegoers to Flemington and generating over $430 million for the Victorian economy each year.

The 2022 Melbourne Cup Carnival commences with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 29 October, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on the first Tuesday of November on 1 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday 3 November and VRC Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 5 November. 

For more information and to buy tickets please visit www.vrc.com.au.