Australian swim coach Dean Boxall made headlines at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games for his passionate celebrations when Ariarne Titmus claimed gold in the 400-metre freestyle.
Well, the man, the myth, the legend was at it again with his trademark intensity as Titmus took to the pool again, this time claiming an astonishing world record.
The Australian swimmer competed in the 400-metre freestyle at the Australian swimming trials, clocking a 3:36.40 time to beat Katie Ledecky’s world record set at the 2016 Olympics.
Boxall’s celebrations at the Olympics went viral with his infamous hip thrusts and various gyrations, with many loving it and other thinking he went too far.
But Boxall was at it again in fine form as Titmus took out the world record.
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With the freedom to roam the entirety of the pool, he is seen running up and down with wild arm swings urging the swimmer to beat the record.
On a few occasions, it appears he comes close to knocking out a couple of officials.
The coach is full of emotion and passion as Titmus touches the wall and Boxall realises she had broken the record.
You love to see it.
Titmus spoke to Amazon Prime after the swim, saying: “I never thought that at this meet post-Olympics I’d be swimming faster than at Olympic trials and the Olympic Games.
“So, I guess, you keep surprising yourself, and it keeps the sport interesting.”
She even caught a glimpse of Boxall’s celebrations on the sidelines.
She continued: “Yeah, I saw him. He’s been a bit subdued. It’s nice he probably saved his energy for the big one.”
While some athletes may find Boxall’s antics a distraction, Titmus maintains that it’s his passion that drives her to success.
After last year’s Olympic celebration, she explained: “That’s just the way Dean is. He’s very passionate about what he does – he really becomes quite animated.
“This is just as much for him as it is for me. He has sacrificed a lot in his family life, his kids and his wife, for his job. He puts 100% into being a swimming coach. I would not be here without him.”
Titmus will not swim at the world championships next month as she is set to focus on the Commonwealth Games in July.
All eyes will be peeled on both the swim to see if she can achieve yet another milestone and Boxall as he undoubtedly manifests a raucous reaction.
Jayden Collins