Ireland’s wait for a world long course medal continues, but Daniel Wiffen showed his world class abilities finishing fourth in the World Championships 800m final in a new European record. The Magheralin man is now the holder of both the long and short course European records.
In an incredible final Wiffen was just 0.52 away from bronze finishing in 7:39.19, taking almost five seconds off his Irish Record of 7:43.81 set in yesterday’s heat, and .08 of a second off Italian Gregoria Paltrinieri’s European record of 7:39.27 set at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea. The 22-year-old is now the number nine all-time performer in the event.
"It was a good race," said a delighted Wiffen, "I’m really happy with the personal best and really looking forward to the 1500m freestyle later in the week, but that race was great to be part of. Missing the podium, you know; I came into this, and I just wanted to be better than last year, and I’ve done that by a lot so I’m happy enough."
25 July 2023; Daniel Wiffen of Ireland competes in the Men’s 800m Freestyle semi final during day twelve of the 2023 World Aquatics Championships at Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall A in Fukuoka, Japan. Photo by Ian MacNicol/Sportsfile
It’s a golden age for men’s distance swimming and Wiffen is relishing being part of it.
"It’s so good," he said, "I’m happy there’s a race in that because I just love to race and that was definitely one of the best races I’ve ever had, and I loved every minute of it, I’m looking forward to what’s next."
The final was won by Tunisia’s Ahmed Hafnaoui in 7:37.00, silver went to Australia’s Sam Short in a new Oceania record of 7:37.76 and another continental record finished the podium with the UAS’s Bobby Finke bagging bronze ahead of Wiffen in 7:38.67.
"My plan was to try stick with them for as long as possible," said Wiffen.
"I was happy the way I did it to be honest, I was just on the hip the whole time, my third 200m was probably a bit off and my last 200m was great, so maybe next time I tweak the third 200m but I can’t really complain about my plan."
Wiffen returns to the pool on Saturday for his main event, the 1500m freestyle, where he is third ranked.
"I said on poolside there that if I can take five seconds off my 1500m that I’m under the world record, so let’s hope that happens!" said Wiffen.
Ireland's Daniel Wiffen finished fourth in the 800m freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships. He was just 0.52 off the bronze medal. pic.twitter.com/Y5G3XSwHzf
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 26, 2023
In the women’s 50m backstroke semi-final, Danielle Hill clocked 28.10 for 13th place overall.
"I’m a little bit deflated," said Hill.
"I expected a little bit more of myself, I’m usually quite a good morning to afternoon swimmer but I think I’ve got to be positive with this, 48 hours ago I was in a much worse position. I’ve got two more swims individually and I’ve got a relay and that backstroke has given me a bit of a confidence boost heading into Sunday (4x100m Medley Relay) with the girls, so yeah, disappointed, but happy to get that first semi-final under my belt."
Hill returns to the pool on Friday for the 50m Butterfly Heats.
There is another big day of action for Ireland in the pool tomorrow with Mona McSharry making her return in the 200m breaststroke after her fifth-place finish in the 100m breaststroke final on Tuesday.
Victoria Catterson returns for the 100m freestyle, Darragh Greene for the 200m breaststroke and 16-year-old John Shortt will make his senior international debut in the 200m backstroke heats.
See Also: Mona McSharry Came Agonisingly Close To Making Irish Swimming History
