Swimming-Titmus shatters world record to win 400m freestyle gold at worlds

Fukuoka 2023 World Aquatics Championships - Swimming - Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall A, Fukuoka, Japan - July 23, 2023 Australia's Ariarne Titmus celebrates after winning the women's 400m freestyle final REUTERS/Issei Kato

FUKUOKA, Japan (Reuters) - Reigning Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus of Australia smashed the world record as she blazed to victory in a battle royale for the women's 400m freestyle title on the opening day of the swimming events at the World Aquatics Championships on Sunday.

Titmus eclipsed the mark set by Canadian teenager Summer McIntosh at her national trials earlier this year, finishing in three minutes, 55.38, a staggering 3.35 seconds ahead of silver medallist and 2022 champion Katie Ledecky.