Daniel Wiffen in Paris

Daniel Wiffen made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first Irish man to win an Olympic swimming gold medal, achieving a remarkable time of 7:38.19 in the men's 800m freestyle final. This performance not only secured him gold but also set new Olympic, European, and Irish records, surpassing the previous Olympic record by over three seconds. Wiffen's victory was particularly emotional, as he expressed his dreams of this moment coming true while standing on the podium during the Irish national anthem. He edged out defending Olympic champion Bobby Finke and bronze medalist Gregorio Paltrinieri in a thrilling race that showcased his determination and competitive spirit. This win comes after a stellar year for Wiffen, who also became the first Irish swimmer to medal at the World Long Course Championships earlier this year. His achievement marks a significant milestone for Irish swimming, further celebrated following teammate Mona McSharry's bronze medal performance.