‘I’ve dreamt of this every day of my life’ – Olympic champion Wiffen

Daniel Wiffen says he had been dreaming about winning his first Olympic gold medal “every day of my life” after his historic victory in Paris.

Wiffen, 23, put in a stunning final 50 metres of the 800m freestyle to claim a first gold medal for an athlete from Northern Ireland in 36 years.

It was Team Ireland’s first gold in Paris and first gold in the pool since the 1996 Games in Atlanta.

“I’m stuck for words at the moment,” Wiffen told BBC Sport NI.

“It’s an unforgettable experience, I’ll remember this for the rest of my life.”

Wiffen had qualified for the final in first place as he headed into the Games off the back of becoming a double world champion in Doha in February.

After settling into the race in third position, Wiffen made his move to the front with 400 metres to go.

However, the USA’s Bobby Finke and Italy’s Gregorio Paltrinieri responded and Wiffen found himself in a battle for gold with 50 metres remaining as the American edged into the lead.

But Wiffen is a double world champion for a reason, and dug deep to move back in front as the trio closed on the finish.

The La Defense Arena, which had been vocal in its support of French swimmer David Aubrey, exploded with colour and noise after what will be considered one of the most exciting finishes of any event at the Paris Games.

Wiffen admitted that winning a gold medal was “definitely greater” than he had imagined.

“I didn’t want to leave it until the last 50 metres, so I went a bit early, threw it all down in the last 20 metres, and that was it.

“I walked out and I was so nervous. I didn’t really get into my stroke until 300 metres, but I guessed that would happen as it’s an Olympic final.

“I got into my rhythm and knew where the race was coming from.”

After his historic win, Wiffen was struggling to hold back the tears as he received his medal at the end of the Arena where the majority of his family, friends and coaches were cheering him on.

“I hope nobody saw that, to be honest. It’s rare for me to cry, but it just shows you what it means to win an Olympic medal in this sport.

“Hopefully we have made swimming the number one sport in Ireland now.

“I’m happy now because it is so heavy. I love a good heavy medal.”