Daniel Wiffen did not quite manage to get the gold medal that he coveted in today's 1500m freestyle final, but the Armagh man still produced a top class performance en route to winning a bronze in Paris.
The 800m freestyle gold medallist came into this race aiming to finish atop the podium once again, with a world record also in his sights. His performance in the hear suggested that those aims were well within his grasp, although today's race didn't quite play out like that.
American's Bobby Finke set a ferocious pace during the early portions of the race, clearly coming in with the intention of blowing away the rest of the field. It was expected that Daniel Wiffen would keep pace with him for the opening half or so of the race, before then taking control of proceedings.
However, he could not quite manage to do so. The kick that proved to so successful for the Irishman in the 800m wasn't quite there on this occasion, meaning he ultimately finish in the bronze medal position.
While gold was his aim, an Olympic bronze medal is still a remarkable achievement.
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Daniel Wiffen Shows Brilliant Perspective After Claiming Bronze Medal
While he couldn't quite manage to get his hands on a second gold, he showed quite a bit of perspective on his achievements after the race.
Speaking to RTÉ, Wiffen showed displayed quite a bit of perspective after getting his hands on a second medal of the Olympics.
"Who cares? I'm an Olympic champion."
Mixed feelings for Daniel Wiffen after he could only add 1500m freestyle bronze to the 800m gold he won earlier this week. #Paris2024
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Right now, I'm happy but disappointed at the same time. Looking across the week, I can't be more pleased to be an Olympic champion. But the bronze medal, I know I came into this happy with any medal, but when you hit gold the first time you race you kind of don't want less than that.
But I'm happy, you know. We never had a medal before this competition in the Olympics for men. To come away with two, I'm very happy...
I'm so happy, I couldn't dream of anything better honestly. To be an Olympic champion is like a dream come true. I did have my sights set on a world record, but today wasn't the day.
Well done to Bobby, he did class to get a world record. We will be back better next time...
Tonight I'm going to celebrate. I'm ready now to put the pool behind me until next season.
To be honest, it's quite emotional. I don't know what to say, because I'm just thinking in my head, a gold and a bronze, I can't be more happy.
Today's race didn't go my way, but who cares? I'm an Olympic champion.
At just 23-years old, Daniel Wiffen still has a long career ahead of him. To get two Olympic medals on the board at this stage is a remarkable achievement.
This is just the start.
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