Daniel Wiffen has endeared himself to the Irish public with an incredible, record-breaking Olympic gold medal win in the Men's 800m Freestyle on Tuesday.
Bullish about his chances going into the event, the world champion put in a stellar showing to become the first ever Irishman to win a medal in Olympic swimming history.
He put in a remarkable final 100m to retake the lead from Italian Gregorio Paltrinieri and keep American Bobby Finke at bay until the finish.
He has been remarkably composed, even in his performance despite fierce competition, although emotions did finally get the better of him once his win sunk in.
Wiffen took to the top step of the podium as he received his gold medal and Amhrán na bhFiann was belted out through the soundsystem at La Defense Arena in Paris.
He understandably shed tears as the enormity of the moment set in, something he reflected on after the success.
Daniel Wiffen shed tears during Irish national anthem
Wiffen reflected on the moment with RTÉ, admitting he shed 'a lot of tears' up on the top step as his friends and family watched on.
I ain't much of a crier but I did shed a slot of tears there!" he said.
"You never really see me cry so it was a big achievement to be fair. It was amazing.
"I think I have heard the national anthem more than a lot of people - it is my sixth time hearing it this season. So it is kind of crazy.
"I am just so happy."
Wiffen paid tribute to his twin brother Nathan - who he said had been calling him five times a day - and family after the race, adding "It's amazing, just having them here... seeing them makes it so much better."
Nathan, who missed out on qualification, had helped Daniel train en route to his gold medal glory in Paris.
The 23-year-old had already shown his elite mentality after his win and compounded with a bullish predicition as he prepares to compete in two more events before the tournament's end.
Wiffen will compete in the 1500m Freestyle before also taking part in the 10km marathon swim in the River Seine.
'Keep watching we are not done this week," he added.
"We never like to predict but we have got one, but what is better than one is two and what is better than two is three!
"We will have to wait and see. There is no pressure - I have done what I came here to do. I said it and I have done it. That is all I have to say."
