The stage was always set for Ariarne Titmus to lay down the gauntlet to American swimming great Katie Ledecky in Tokyo - at the 2020 Olympics, that is.
But the 17-year-old Australian reckons she's ready to threaten the world record holder as soon as August's Pan Pacs in the Japanese capital after her Commonwealth Games success.
Titmus is still trying to get her head around her three-gold haul on the Gold Coast - especially after taking centre stage with about 50 athletes at a Brisbane street parade celebrating Australia's triumph on Friday.
Apart from savouring a day off school, the year 12 student was also buzzing after being presented with a photo souvenir on the team behalf's from Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
"It's a bit overwhelming actually," she said.
"I consider myself a normal person so it is a bit strange to have people ask for photos but I guess I have to get used to that now after my performances."
Titmus better get used to it if she pulls off what she has planned at for the Pan Pacs.
Ledecky has looked untouchable over the 400m and 800m freestyle since bursting onto the scene at the 2012 London Olympics as a 15-year-old.
But the American is suddenly looking over her shoulder after Titmus became the first Australian to claim the 400m-800m double at a Commonwealth Games since 1982.
Ledecky's 400m world record of three minutes, 56.46 seconds once seemed out of this world.
However the American great - now 21 - appears mortal after Titmus smashed the 400m Games record on the Gold Coast (4:00.93 - sixth fastest of all time).
Titmus certainly did not seem intimidated by Ledecky before cranking up her training again next week for Tokyo in August.
"No one is unbeatable. I am getting closer to her and just need to look at different areas to improve," she told AAP.
"I am excited to race her at Pan Pacs and see where she is at."
Titmus has been given extra time to soak up her Gold Coast achievements after being allowed to skip this week's national age championships by animated coach Dean Boxall.
"When he gets back next week it will be full on again. I know he can be a bit intense but I look forward to him being back - I miss him a bit," Titmus said.
In the meantime, Titmus is trying to settle back into "normal life" as a Brisbane schoolgirl.
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