Daniel Wiffen put in one of the greatest displays in Olympics history by setting a new 800m Freestyle record to win gold for Ireland in Paris.
Wiffen had already produced a statement performance in his 800m freestyle semi-final, recording a field leading time to ensure that had a centre lane in the final.
Having won two golds at the World Championships earlier this year, there were big expectations surrounding the Down man heading into this summer's games.
The 23-year-old more than lived up to the hype, channeling a remarkable final 100m to retake the lead from Italian Gregorio Paltrinieri and keep American Bobby Finke at bay.
🥇for Ireland
Relive the last 50 metres as Daniel Wiffen became the ninth Irish athlete to win Olympic gold #RTESport #Paris2024
📱Updates https://t.co/01ShZjM17C
📺 Watch https://t.co/XnOP6grnB7 pic.twitter.com/P8GSKycgKO— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 30, 2024
In doing so, Wiffen has become the first Irishman in history to ever win an Olympic medal in swimming.
Daniel Wiffen showed elite mentality after gold medal win
The Armagh native - who is of Loughborough University - showed remarkable confidence going into the tournament in his interviews and that elite mentality shone through again when he spoke to RTÉ after his win.
I mean amazing. What's my name? Daniel Wiffen, Olympic champion. It's really good. I can't believe it," he said.
"I want to thank my brother Nathan, my parents, all the staff at (Loughborough University) and the Irish team. I can't do it without anybody. I'm not alone out there. It's such a good effort.
"I wish you could see me looking. I was looking for Bobby Finke the whole time. I was like, 'I ain't getting caught. I've been practicing my whole year for this. I will not get caught after 150'.
"It wasn't that fast of an Olympics record.
"I've won everything. I've won the World Champs, the European champs. Now I can say I'm probably one of the best ever, so that's just even better."
'What's my name? Daniel Wiffen, Olympic champion'
Daniel Wiffen speaks to @OFlynnPaul after winning gold for Ireland in the 800m freestyle in Paris #RTESport #Paris2024
📱Updates https://t.co/01ShZjM17C
📺 Watch https://t.co/XnOP6grnB7 pic.twitter.com/Nat6iW90po— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 30, 2024
It is Ireland's second medal of the 2024 Olympics after fellow swimmer Mona McSharry of Sligo claimed bronze in thrilling fashion on Monday night.
Ireland had not won an Olympic swimming medal since 1996, prior to McSharry's feat and now have claimed two in less than 24 hours.
Remarkable stuff from two of the country's brightest young talents.
