Ariarne Titmus has set a Commonwealth Games record in a blistering women’s 800m freestyle final.

Titmus, who also set an Australian record and a personal best, was followed all the way to the finish by fellow Aussies Kiah Melverton (silver) and Lani Pallister (bronze).

Titmus, 21, covered the journey in 8:13.59. Melverton claimed silver, one better than four years earlier, after finishing 3.2 seconds behind the “Terminator”.

Pallister completed the podium, having finished 5.57 seconds behind first place.

While followed by her compatriots Titmus never looked like losing, making the most of her long, powerful strokes to get in front early.

Melverton was sitting on the 21-year-old’s heap as they turned for the final 200m but it did not take long for the Aussie superstar to find another gear and motor away to claim victory by more than three seconds.

It shows the strength of Aussie swimming that Melverton and Pallister remained as close as they did, with the rest of the Commonwealth field miles behind.

Titmus’ time also broke into the top 30 ever in that event with American phenomenon Katie Ledecky owning the 28 times ahead of her.