Ariarne Titmus on retirement and the one message she wants every parent in Australia to know.

Thanks to our brand partner, Australian Bananas

World champion and Olympic gold medallist swimmer Ariarne Titmus OAM needs no introduction. As one of Australia's iconic home-grown heroes, she embodies the spirit of hard work and a positive attitude.

At the age of 25, Ariarne recently retired from elite swimming. Although she said her life couldn't be more different now she's not chasing Olympic gold, she's adamant that swimming will always be a part of it.

"My life is like chalk and cheese to what it used to be," she told Mamamia. "I've retired, I've moved cities — my life has really turned on its head. People don't realise how hard it is to swim at that level: I trained 35 hours a week! To not have that pressure internally, but also externally is a big change. I decided I wanted to retire while I still loved swimming, but I didn't want the intensity of elite competition."

Ariarne Titmus at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Image: @ariarnetitmus_.

Of course, she's been back in the pool since her retirement, but it's under fairly different circumstances to swimming for her country.

"I just try to jump into my local pool and stay pretty anonymous, pay the entry fee and just pretend like I'm a regular person."

Ending up in a lane next to Ariarne Titmus at your local pool sounds like something out of a dream, but Ariarne said she generally flies under the radar. "I can go unnoticed most of the time, I actually quite like it!"

"I definitely can swim faster than the average punter," Ariarne observed (in the understatement of the century), "but I'm certainly nowhere near the level where I was. You don't realise how quickly you lose it! I've swum with my partner Mack a few times. He hasn't really swum since high school, but he got in the water the first time and beat me in a 50 metre — it was quite humbling!"

"I used to swim 14 kilometres a day. I go for a swim now, and I get to two kilometres and think, 'that's enough'. I'm just doing it for myself, because swimming makes you feel really good. I probably didn't realise how mobile I was from swimming, so I'm trying to keep it up so I feel good in myself and my body."

Old habits die hard though, and Ariarne hasn't quite lost the pre-swim habits she developed when she was competing. "I still do all my prehab exercises for my shoulders, although I probably don't need to anymore," she laughed. "I always eat a banana before I swim — people underestimate how full of nutrients bananas are. They're so high in energy, so easy to digest, so you can eat one just before getting in the water or afterwards."

That pre-swim habit is one of the reasons that Ariarne feels so passionate about her role as an ambassador for Australian Bananas. The other reason? Australian Bananas has introduced the Banana Swim Pass initiative to encourage Australians of all ages to jump in the pool this summer.

Ariarne feels so passionate about her role as an ambassador for Australian Bananas. Image: Australian Bananas.

On January 21, 2026, more than 70 local pools will participate in the Banana Swim Pass initiative. All you need to do is buy a banana from any of your local grocers, and bring it to a participating pool to receive free pool access for the day. Ariarne strongly encouraged every parent to get their kids involved.

"Swimming for kids isn't just a hobby; it's a life skill. Kids learning to swim is something I'm really passionate about. I know that, still, in some schools, there's no learn-to-swim component in the curriculum — I can't fathom that in this country, surrounded by water. I've swum my whole life, but if I'm caught in a rip, I still find the current strong. This initiative to head down to your local participating pool for free entry, banana in hand, is such a great chance to get your kids into the water and start building their skills."

Ariarne Titmus swimming as a kid. Image: @ariarnetitmus_.

Ariarne also emphasised that the Banana Swim Pass is a great opportunity for adults to get to know their local pool — even when they don't have kids in tow.

"Swimming is a sport with such a low barrier to entry for adults too. You don't need to join a fancy class, you're not forking out $45 for pilates, you don't need the greatest and latest running shoes. You just need a cap and goggles and you're ready to go."

If you're someone who isn't yet familiar with your local pool, Ariarne recommended it as a great place to foster a sense of community in your neighbourhood.

"I love the sense of community that local pools build for everyone. Pools are a place to meet socially. It's not just your exercise for the day, it's also a place for people to meet, especially people with young families. I love that you can swim on your own but that you can also do it socially. For parents with little kids, the pool can be much easier than the beach — it's the place you meet up with your friends in the summer holidays. Swimming and local pools are so ingrained in our DNA as a country."

And as for the message she wants every Australian parent to hear?

"Swimming is a critical life skill, and any opportunity to get down to the swimming pool with your kids for free, I think they should take it."

"I plan to swim for the rest of my life, well into my 80s or 90s. One day, if I have children, I plan to teach them myself how to swim. I think it's so important."

Find your nearest participating pool to get your Banana Swim Pass this January 21.

Featured image: Instagram/@ariarnetitmus_.

Australian Bananas is bringing the summer energy with the launch of the Banana Swim Pass. On January 21, for one day only, a banana becomes a swim pass, giving you access to pools across Australia. All you have to do? Buy it, bring it, and present it at one of the eligible pool locations.
Visit www.bananaswimpass.com for T&Cs and to find your local participating pool - and don't forget your banana on 21 January!