Ireland's Daniel Wiffen has won gold in the Men's 800 Metre Freestyle final at Paris 2024 in an Olympic record time.
The 23-year-old is Ireland’s second medallist at the games after team mate Mona McSharry claimed bronze in the pool last night.
Wiffen, under coach Andi Manley at Loughborough University where he's studying, becomes the first ever Irish man in history to win an Olympic swimming medal.
He stormed to gold in a time of 7:38.19 - setting a new personal best, national record and European record by a full second in the process.
Wiffen’s performance also set a new Olympic record - knocking over three seconds off the previous one of 7:41.28 set by Mykhalo Romanchuk of Ukraine in Tokyo 2020.
Ireland's Daniel Wiffen celebrates after taking gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, 30-7-24. Image: X/@TeamIrelandIn a nail-biting race Wiffen beat American Bobby Finke into second place, who touched in a time of 7:38.75, with Italian Gregorio Paltrinieri claiming bronze in 7:39.38.
Speaking poolside afterwards a jubilant Wiffen said one thing kept him grounded.
"I don’t think a lot of people actually believed me that I was going to do it tonight but yeah it was incredible. I’ve done it – that’s all I want to say," he said.
"I was so nervous, that’s the most nervous I’ve ever been for a race but do you know what calmed me down? I heard by brother shout for me as soon as I walked out.
"I heard none of the crowd just him, and that’s what calmed me down, and really levelled my head.
"I’m not going to lie, there’s this whole saying going around that I’m getting ‘Finked’ – I’m glad to say I haven’t been ‘Finked' so obviously pretty happy to get my hand on the wall first.
“It feels incredible. Andrew Bree said it just as I want to say it –‘lights, camera, action’ – that’s exactly what I did – I’m writing myself into the history books," he added.
Ireland's Daniel Wiffen draped in the Tricolour with his gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, 30-7-24. Image: X/@juegosolimpicosTaoiseach Simon Harris was one of the first to congratulate Wiffen, saying the whole country is proud of him.
"On behalf of the entire country, hoarse from screaming at their televisions and computer screens, I would like to send our absolute admiration and congratulations to Daniel Wiffen," he said.
"Daniel, you did it—Olympic Gold and an Olympic record.
"The 800-Metre Freestyle final in Paris was one for the ages and Daniel’s technique, power and grit under pressure confirms him as a once-in-a-generation athlete.
"He’s a world champion and now an Olympic champion and it was our privilege to witness it.
"This is a family affair, and I can only imagine the joy of Rachel, Jonathan and Nathan this evening. This is your victory too.
"Congratulations Daniel, we can’t wait to see what you do next." he added.
President Michael D Higgins also praised Wiffen's "historic achievement" in Paris.
Congratulations to Daniel Wiffen for his historic achievement in winning the gold medal in the 800m freestyle in an @Olympics record. A wonderful achievement of which he can be so proud
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) July 30, 2024
Posting a video of his win, Sports Minister Catherine Martin called it "outstanding".
Outstanding! @WiffenDaniel takes Gold for Ireland! 🥇🇮🇪
What a performance Daniel👏 Ireland's Olympic champion
Comhghairdeas ó chroí leat 💚#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/TKG3NhN8Zi
— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) July 30, 2024
