Ariarne Titmus has broken US rival Katie Ledecky’s 400 metre freestyle world record overnight.

The Olympic gold medallist clocked a time of 3:56.40 at the National Swimming Championships.

“[I] surprised myself, I definitely didn’t think the year after the Olympic I’d be swimming faster than I did to win the gold medal, but I guess that’s what makes the sport interesting,” she told Neil Breen.

She says she is feeling “fearless” and swimming without pressure after living out her childhood dream of winning an Olympic gold.

“I think it’s really important to swim for the enjoyment, swimming fearlessly I guess, and that’s why I am swimming the way I am.”

She had a 10-week hiatus from the pool after the Olympics.

“Maybe I should have two months off every year!”

Press PLAY below to hear more about her calendar this year!

Image: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images