The stunning rise of teenager Ariarne Titmus at the Pan Pacs in Tokyo may have served as a wake-up call for American great Katie Ledecky.
But Titmus' coach Dean Boxall is convinced Ledecky has awoken a sleeping giant.
Boxall has described Ledecky as the Roger Federer of women's swimming after the world and Olympic champion helped the United States clinch the four-day meet with 18 gold - 10 more than next-placed Australia.
However, Boxall is adamant Titmus' dream of dethroning the multiple world record holder can become a reality in Tokyo 2020 after witnessing the Brisbane schoolgirl's Pan Pacs heroics.
The 17-year-old became only the third woman to crack the four-minute mark as she kept Ledecky honest to claim silver in the 400m freestyle.
Ledecky finished just more than a second ahead of Titmus and less than a body length as the Australian young gun powered home.
It was the closest 400m finish Ledecky had endured since emerging as an unstoppable force in distance swimming as a 15-year-old at the London Olympics.
"It was great to see Arnie make some ground in the last 100m. I think you have woken up a giant now," Boxall said.
"She had to have someone to chase and feel what the pressure is going to be like. It was like the greyhound and the rabbit.
"We knew exactly how Katie was going to swim but for Ariarne to stand up like that it was probably the most mature race I have seen her do."
Boxall expected a response from Ledecky at next year's world titles - and wouldn't have it any other way.
"Look at Nadal and Federer. When someone comes up against them they go to another level," he said.
"She (Ledecky) is a true champion, she's the No.1 female swimmer ever. You know she is going to stand up."
But Boxall wanted to avoid comparing his young charge with Ledecky in a bid to nurse the level-headed Titmus to the next level in 2020.
"You just hope Arnie stays the same grounded person she is," he said.
"If Arnie can continue to be Arnie, I think the dream (of beating Ledecky in 2020) can be a possibility."
Share
