'Best coach in the world': Ariarne Titmus reveals simple trait that sets cult hero coach Dean Boxall apart from rival
There is no one denying that Dean Boxall is one of the best coaches in the swimming world, but the secret behind how he helps his athletes find success has now been revealed.
All eyes were on Boxall at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021 after his vibrant celebrations while watching his athletes win gold and break world records went viral.
His passionate support was once again put on display in Paris last year as his reputation as one of the most respected coaches in Australia captured the interest of all watching.
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Of the 44 athletes who qualified to represent Australia, 10 were members of Boxall's St Peters Western squad and were instrumental in finding medals for the nation.
Seven gold medals were won by Australian swimmers in Paris, four of achieved by athletes in Boxall's squad. Additionally, 12 of the 18 podium finishes by members of the Australian Dolphins were athletes coached by Boxall.
While others in the professional coaching sphere have likely undergone training courses, his athlete Ariarne Titmus revealed her iconic coach is completely "self-taught."
"The thing about Dean that is so impressive is that he's never picked up a coaching manual or textbook, or gone through any coaching courses," Titmus told SEN on Friday.
"He is all self-taught and intuition, and I admire that about him the most.
"Dean is very eclectic. He is unapologetically himself, but he is also an absolute master of his craft.
"I've never met someone in my life who is so refined in their skill set in what they do.
"He has this incredible ability to understand how to coach people and their personality. I believe that is something people don't know enough about Dean.
"People look at him and his outlandish personality, his passion for the sport, which is why he is so wonderful at what he does."
Dean Boxall celebrates as Ariarne Titmus wins gold medal in the women's 400m freestyle final. Getty
Boxall's success with his squad in Paris attracted the interest of French swimmer Leon Marchand, hailed as the next Michael Phelps, and Italy's Thomas Ceccon.
The international pair both won gold at last year's Olympic Games and both elected to travel to Australia to work under Boxall for three months in early 2025.
However, the secret behind the success of the likes of Titmus and her teammates Mollie O'Callaghan, Shayna Jack and Elijah Winnington is not all due to Boxall's training programme.
"The reason why I think we've had our success as a partnership is because of the trust we had in each other," Titmus said.
"We signed a deal basically with each other that I'll do my best to execute his programme, which I believe is the best programme in the world. When you sign up for that, you can't let any standard waver.
"There're obviously days where I am getting pushed to my limit, but the trust factor is why it's OK. I trust that he was doing everything he could to get the best out of me [in those sessions].
Ariarne Titmus reacts with Dean Boxall after winning gold in the Women's 200m Freestyle Final in Tokyo. Getty
"He believes, more than anyone in the world, [in] what I am capable of. I am just very, very grateful for our partnership.
Titmus continued: "His ability to tap into athletes' personalities is [remarkable].
"Everybody is so individual and they need to be coached in a different way. The way that he coaches me is very different to how he coaches other athletes in the squad.
"I just believe that he is the best swimming coach in the world.
"100 per cent without him, I wouldn't have become the athlete that I am."