Ireland's Daniel Wiffen produced a statement performance in his 800m freestyle semi-final at the Olympics, recording a field leading time to ensure that he will be given a centre lane for tomorrow night's 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 field at the Olympics is stronger than the one he competed against during that event in Qatar, meaning it was always going to be interesting to see how he stacked up against the competition.
After this race, it's fair to say that he is well positioned to be in among the medals.
Wiffen produced a stunning performance in the race. He found himself behind the leader for the opening half of the swim, with his Australian opponent going out at a very quick pace in the longer distance format.
The Irishman would take control of the race from that point onwards, going on to ease to victory. His time of 7:41:53 was over a second quicker than everyone else in the field, meaning he will be in the centre lane for tomorrow's medal race.
An incredible performance from Ireland's Daniel Wiffen to book his place in tomorrow's final! ☘️
His time of 7:41:53 was over a second faster than everyone else in the field 👀 pic.twitter.com/xyjikBA5SF— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 29, 2024
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Daniel Wiffen Showed Huge Confidence After Olympics Performance
While he is still just 23-years old, Daniel Wiffen certainly seems ready to do the business on the biggest stage.
His performance at the World Championships made him a household name in Ireland and he now looks on course to win the nation's first ever Olympic medal in men's swimming.
Speaking to RTÉ after this morning's race, Wiffen shared his belief that he will win an Olympic medal, even if the food in the athlete's village isn't doing him any favours.
Paris 2024: "I said I wanted a medal and I will be coming away with one eventually." Daniel Wiffin is confident going into the 800m freestyle final, having won his heat in style.#RTESport #Paris2024
📱Updates https://t.co/NhnQoPxaeE
📺Watch https://t.co/b2OI4OoWVJ pic.twitter.com/u3dMHQgJVI— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 29, 2024
Very happy. It was very close to my World Championship winning time that I only did six months ago and it felt a hell of a lot easier than that one...
I can't ask for more. I love the centre lane, it's my favourite lane. We will wait and see tomorrow night, it's all about this 36-hour recovery period that I've got to get right...
I expect that if anybody has got a lane in the final, anybody can win from anywhere. I will be well aware of every lane and I'm looking forward to the final...
I said I wanted a medal, and I will be coming away with one eventually at some point. I just can't wait to race again honestly, I love that.
I was a bit nervous kind of walking out, but after the first 100 metres I settled in nicely and felt quite good...
It's so good. I mean, the food is a bit terrible honestly in the village, but everything else is class. I love the flats, I love everything, I love the team atmosphere, it's great. I love being part of Team Ireland...
I walked out and got a big cheer. I could hear people cheering my name, so there's quite a lot of Irish support here.
I'm really looking forward to the final, because I hear that a lot of people coming. That will be good to see.
Daniel Wiffen will certainly have everyone in Ireland behind him for tomorrow night's final, which takes place at 8.02pm Irish time.
It would be incredible to see him claim an Olympic medal to continue what has been a remarkable year.
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