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3 months ago
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The parents of Aussie swimmers who have won gold medals in Paris are already beaming with pride - and they have also received special yellow jackets to further mark their loved ones' incredible achievements.
Ariarne Titmus' parents Steve and Robyn, Mollie O'Callaghan's folks Toni and Nick and Kaylee McKeown's mother Sharon have all been handed the jackets as their children have written their own slice of Olympic history in the La Defense Arena pool in recent days.
Each jacket features embroidery that 'symbolises what matters', mainly memorable statements that followed previous Olympic triumphs by Aussies in the pool.
It is the brainchild of Dolphins swimming team benefactor Stuart Giles, and Steve Titmus believes the gold jacket celebration will be played out at future Olympic Games by Aussie families.
'It's a fun thing,' he said after he was presented with the jacket following Ariarne's win in the 400m freestyle.
'It has become a tradition and I think it will continue for years to come.'
Titmus was captured on camera outlining just how special the gold jackets are, as the sacrifices parents have made in order to help their children become Olympic swimmers were formally acknowledged.
Graciously, Titmus went onto pay tribute to to O'Callaghan, noting it was an 'Aussie 1-2' in the 200m freestyle final after his daughter picked up silver.
Pictured: Ariarne Titmus's mum Robyn (left) presents the gold jacket to Mollie O'Callaghan's parents Toni and Nick after her 200m freestyle gold medal win in Paris
Ariarne Titmus' father Steve (pictured left after she won the 400m freestyle) believes the jacket presentation will be a tradition that gets played out at future Olympics
He also acknowledged McKeown for her heroics in Tokyo and Paris.
The first jacket presentations of the Games were staged at Corcoran's Irish pub, located walking distance from the pool in Paris.
It was also the venue where the O'Callaghan's celebrated Mollie's victory in the 200m freestyle, in a nod to their Irish heritage.
And Australia's swimming gold medal rush isn't tipped to be over just yet - the likes of Zac Stubblety-Cook in the 200m breaststroke, Kyle Chalmers in the 100m freestyle and Cam McEvoy in the 50m freestyle are all tipped to be on the dais.
Not to mention McKeown in the 200m medley, O'Callaghan in the 100m freestyle and the women's 4x200m freestyle relay featuring Titmus and O'Callaghan.
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