Ariarne Titmus is starting a new chapter – this time as a fiancée!
The Olympic swimming champion and her partner, Mac Powell, have announced their engagement, with a simple caption over a series of loved-up photos: “you + me forever. 07.09.26.”
Ariarne and Mac met on a blind date in late 2024, and their relationship has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Since retiring from swimming in October last year, Ariarne has relocated from Brisbane to Melbourne to be with Mac, who works in finance.
Inside Ariarne Titmus’ engagement
The pair have spent the past month travelling through Europe, and it appears Mac chose Mykonos, Greece as the backdrop for the proposal – popping the question on Ariarne’s 26th birthday.
“There’s nothing like travelling with your favourite person,” Ariarne wrote on social media while the couple were in Italy last month.
Ariarne’s parents, Steve and Robyn, are thrilled with the news.
“We are delighted for Ariarne and Mac, and as parents, we feel blessed that they found one another,” Steve tells Woman’s Day. “Mac is a wonderful guy and his family are great people. We can’t wait for what the future holds for them.”
Rob reveals Steve managed to keep the secret from her for over a month!
“As a mum, to see your daughter so happy is incredibly special. I still can’t believe Steve kept it a secret from me for five whole weeks!,” Rob says. “Mac asked Steve for Ariarne’s hand before they headed overseas, and they both agreed to keep it a surprise from me too. We are very excited for them.”
Ariarne Titmus and Mac Powell’s wedding plans
While wedding plans are yet to be locked in, it’s still being decided whether the ceremony will take place on the Gold Coast, where Ariarne’s parents live, or the Sunshine Coast, where Mac’s parents have retired.
Ariarne’s younger sister Mia is reportedly expected to take on chief bridesmaid duties, and our insider suggests Olympic teammate Emma McKeon could also be part of the bridal party.
The engagement caps off a huge period of change for Ariarne, who walked away from swimming at just 25 – as a four-time world champion, four-time Olympic gold medallist and current world record holder – and says she has no regrets.
“I was a little bit worried that I was going to make that decision and six months later think it was a bit premature,” Ariarne told The Courier Mail in July. “I feel very content that I made the right decision.”
She said Mac had helped her find a new perspective on life beyond the pool, with the pair keen to start a family of their own.
“My goal in life is to just cherish the importance of family and I can’t wait to one day have one of my own and be a mum, just like Mum has been to me,” she said.
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