Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen delivered a breathtaking performance at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, securing his second gold medal in the 1500 freestyle final with a commanding victory.
The 22-year-old swimmer from County Armagh led from the outset, aiming to challenge the world record set by China’s Sun Yang. While Wiffen fell short of breaking the record, he left his competitors trailing behind, finishing in a remarkable time of 14:34.07.
Wiffen’s dominance was evident as he claimed victory by a staggering 10.54-second margin over Germany’s Florian Wellbrock, with France’s David Aubry securing third place.
This triumph caps off an extraordinary week for Wiffen, who previously clinched Ireland’s first gold medal in the 800m freestyle event. Setting a new Irish record with his performance in the 1500 freestyle, Wiffen expressed his elation at achieving a personal best and securing two world titles.
Reflecting on his strategy for the race, Wiffen highlighted his focus on maintaining a fast pace and executing his race plan with precision. With aspirations to surpass the world record and compete in future Olympic Games, Wiffen remains determined to continue his pursuit of excellence in the pool.
In addition to Wiffen’s success, Ireland’s medley relay squads secured places for the Olympics in Paris, with the women’s team already boasting two individual qualification times. While the men’s team awaits confirmation of their invitation to compete, they showcased their potential during the World Championship final, setting the stage for further achievements on the Olympic stage.