The 23-year-old Irish swimming sensation is the favourite to land gold in the 800-metre freestyle final, having recorded a time of 7:41.53, the fastest in the heat on Monday.
Wiffen, who is also the 2023 European short-course (25-metre pool) champion in the 400, 800, and 1500 metres freestyle, was the first Irish swimmer to win a European short-course gold medal in his career. He spoke about his latest victory.
"It was very close to my World Championship-winning time that I only did like six months ago, and it felt a hell of a lot easier than that one, so I'm happy. Happy with the pace and happy with the fitness," Wiffen said after his effort.
"I can’t ask for any more. I love a centre lane; it’s my favourite lane. But we just have to wait and see tomorrow night, I guess."
Looking ahead to the medal race, the swimmer added, "It’s all about this 36-hour recovery period, and that’s what I’ve got to get right."
Wiffen has already mentioned his favourite lane, and it is presumed that he would like to be in the centre again in the final. For now, it's just about the final and very little else.
Daniel Wiffen not even using his legs. A little flutter kick yet...no legs even pulled into play and he is leading out. #magicalswimmer last 100m legs comes in. Boom. #TeamIreland #topclass pic.twitter.com/FM7LPlgbk2
— Nuala Moore-Swimmer (@numoorepain) July 29, 2024
"Everybody’s got a lane in the final, and anybody can win from anywhere, so I’ll be well aware of every lane. I’m looking forward to the final.
"I said I wanted a medal, and I’ll be coming away with one eventually at some point, and I just can’t wait to race again. Honestly, I love that," he said.
When asked what would constitute success for Wiffen, the swimmer said he wouldn't be fussy with the medal outcome in tomorrow's final.
"Any medal is good. It’s my first race here; it’s my first time being in contention for an Olympic medal, so I’ll take any medal, whatever colour. Then we’ve got another two races after this, and I’m looking forward to the one in the Seine (the 10,000-metre open water race), especially."
Ireland has a strong contingent of swimmers at this year's Olympics, but that wasn't always the case for the country. From 1996 to 2021, Ireland didn't have a single Olympic finalist, but now there is real optimism that the country can not only have one swimming Olympic medal but a few.
Wiffen is highly tipped to take home gold for the country. Also, Dublin’s Ellen Walshe booked her place in the big show for the women’s 400-metre individual medley at the Paris La Défense Arena. Sligo's Mona McSharry stormed into the 100m breaststroke final as the second fastest qualifier on Sunday night, and Newtownabbey's Danielle Hill made it into tonight's 100m backstroke semi-finals in 16th place.
Here's hoping the team can do Ireland proud, no matter what happens.
