Paris Olympics, Day 8 Prelims: Daniel Wiffen Books Lane Four In Pursuit Of Distance Double & Sun Yang’s WR
Coming into Paris 2024, no Irishman had ever won an Olympic medal in the pool – let alone a gold – before Daniel Wiffen wrote yet another line in the history books.
Wiffen executed a superb 800 free, going past Gregorio Paltrinieri after the final turn and ensuring he had enough in reserve to hold off the late charge of reigning champion Bobby Finke.
The 23-year-old was Ireland’s first Olympic swimming champion since Michelle Smith won three golds among four medals at Atlanta 1996.
Smith was later banned for tampering with a doping sample but the shadow she cast over Irish swimming has now been eclipsed by Wiffen.
Daniel Wiffen: Photo Courtesy: Deepbluemedia
Wiffen returned for the second part of his pursuit of the distance double when he took to the water for the 1500, posting 14:40.34 for lane four with Paltrinieri set to be alongside him after going 14:42.56
Ahmed Jaouadi of Tunisia was third through in 14:44.20 with Frenchman David Aubry’s progression in 14:44.90 welcomed by an exuberant crowd at La Defense Arena.
Kuzey Tuncelli of Türkiye made the world sit up and take notice at last month’s European Junior Championships with an astonishing WJR of 14:41.89.
Going in the second of four prelims, the 16-year-old was on course to eclipse that time before falling a little off the pace to come home in 14:45.27 and qualify fifth.
Reigning champion Finke (14:45.31), Damien Joly (14:45.52) and David Betlehem of Hungary (14:45.59) completed the field.
There were casualties though. Sam Short, the 2023 world bronze medallist, was 13th in 14:58.15 while Florian Wellbrock, winner of Tokyo bronze and Doha worlds silver, didn’t crack 15mins, coming in 14th in 15:01.88
- World Record: Sun Yang, CHN – 14:31.02 (2012)
- Olympic Record: Sun Yang, CHN – 14:31.02 (2012)
- Tokyo Olympic Champion: Bobby Finke, USA – 14:39.65
- Meet Results
- 2024 Paris Olympics Meet Page
Speaking to reporters after the race, Wiffen stated his intention to have a crack at Sun Yang’s WR of 14:31.02 from London 2012.
One reason it has stood the test of time is the Chinese athlete’s final 100 where he split 27.81/25.68 for an eye-watering 53.49.
To put that into some kind of context, Paltrinieri was 2.81 inside the WR at 1400 at the Budapest worlds in 2022 but his final 100 was 4.59secs slower.
Ahmed Hafnaoui & Bobby Finke: Photo Courtesy: Andrea Masini / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto
No other man had broken 14:32 until Ahmed Hafnaoui (14:31.54) and Finke (14:31.59) duelled at the Fukuoka worlds in 2023 but Wiffen – who has studied Sun’s WR race on many occasions – had no qualms in declaring his ambition.
“I’ll give you a little insight,” he said. “I’m going to try and have a crack at this world record. If it happens, it happens, if it doesn’t it doesn’t but I think personally it’s going to take that to win gold.”
Wiffen’s PB stands at 14:34.07 en-route to gold at the Doha worlds in February with a final 100 of 57.55 meaning he is going to have to be well inside the WR in the latter stages of the race.
And there are seven other men in that race who’ll also be looking for the title, never mind records: come race day and the dynamics change.
Since becoming Olympic champion, Wiffen has found himself in the spotlight at the Athletes’ Village and he estimates he’s been asked for around 500 selfies and as many autographs.
“I actually think I’m one of the most famous Olympic champions,” he quipped. “Maybe I’ve got a distinct look about me because I think (someone from) every sport comes up to me in the dining hall and asks for photos. I feel like Simone Biles!”
