Titmus on move

The 14-year-old student, who has been earmarked as a future Olympian by swimming authorities, will move from Launceston to Brisbane within weeks to continue training with coach Peter Gartrell.

Father Steve Titmus said the whole family would relocate to give Ariarne the best opportunity to pursue her sporting dreams and not jeopardise her international selection.

"Tasmania does not provide the structure for a swimmer who has reached Ariarne's level and wants to explore their full potential," Titmus said.

"This has been a very difficult and stressful decision for the whole family, because we love Tasmania and the people, but we have no choice. The decision is also not just based on Ariarne's swimming, but long-term opportunities for the whole family.

"The regrets in life are not what you did, but what you didn't do and we want to give, not just Ariarne, but also her sister Mia, the best opportunities in life, not just in sport but for their future education and working careers."

Ariarne achieved her 200, 400 and 800m freestyles titles all in Tasmanian open records at the national age championships in Sydney in April under the guidance of Gartrell at Launceston Aquatic Club.

However, the experienced Queensland coach returned home a couple of weeks later citing lack of opportunity and organisation in Tasmanian swimming.

Ariarne's eye-catching national performances earned her selection onto Australian teams for the world junior championships in Singapore in August and the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa in September.

The St Patrick's College student said she was thrilled by the prospects of continuing to train with Gartrell, who has guided more than 100 swimmers to national age championship level.

"I have a great connection with Peter and I am excited about having him back on pool deck with me," she said.

"Peter is a great coach and mentor and we work very well together. I am thankful that Mum and Dad are giving me this opportunity."

Gartrell plans to base a high performance squad in Brisbane.

Ariarne's mum and LAC president Robyn said: "We have received support and advice from senior figures in Australian swimming who appreciate the need for Ariarne to relocate outside Tasmania."

"Queensland is the capital of swimming in this country which provides a supportive culture, high level competition and an abundance of training partners for Ariarne."

Ariarne, who has just returned from training for the junior worlds and a grand prix meet with the senior team against Japan in Canberra, will also attend an Australian youth camp with fellow team members at the AIS in July.

"It was great fun further developing friendships with other swimmers and the experience of living, training and competing with members of the Australian team," she said.