Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen looks ready to compete for medals at the Paris Olympics this summer.
The 22-year-old took home his second gold medal at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha last night.
The County Down native has had a championship to remember, topping off his wins in the 800m and 1500m freestyle events by taking home the Best Male Swimmer award.
"Brilliant Performance"
On The Pat Kenny Show this morning, Off the Ball producer and COYGIG podcast host Kathleen McNamee said he is a very strong position ahead of the Olympics.
“Another brilliant performance from Daniel Wiffen at the weekend,” she said.
“I think he was 10 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor, which is absolutely mad.
“And we had him on Off the Ball back in August and he was asked when did he get so good, and he was like, ‘I just turned up to university and all of a sudden I just became good.’
“His coach even says that he didn't expect him to be as good as he has performed.
“So, another Irish record and he says himself that he thinks he can get the world record. I think he was four or five seconds off it at the weekend but by the time Paris rolls around, he's pretty certain that he's going to be up there.”
Daniel Wiffen of Ireland with his gold medal after winning the Men's 1500m freestyle, 18-02-2024. Image: Ian MacNicol/SportsfileWiffen won his first gold medal of the week with a 7:40.94 finish in the 800m – two seconds clear of next best.
His performance yesterday was even more dominant, finishing the 1500m in 14:34.07, a full ten seconds clear of second place.
The Irishman is already an Olympian, competing at the Tokyo Olympics when he was just 19.
He finished 14th in the 800m and 20th in the 1500m in Tokyo – and he will be expecting a serious improvement this time around.
Mona McSharry of Ireland before the Women's 50m breaststroke final, 18-02-2024. Image: Ian MacNicol/SportsfileKathleen said the week was also important for Sligo swimmer Mona McSharry, even though she finished outside the medals.
“I think this championship, for her, was probably as much about getting back in the water and actually enjoying her swimming again,” she said.
“You know, she talked quite a lot in the lead-up to this about the fact that she had considered quitting swimming – she just wasn't getting any pleasure from it.
“So, if this is an opportunity for her to get that back, and I suppose keep building towards Paris, then it's not too bad a situation to be in.”
The Paris Olympics take place between Friday, July 26th and Sunday, August 11th.
