History for Ireland as swimmer Daniel Wiffen smashes 800m world record

Wiffen took 800m gold in a time of 7:20.46, taking almost three seconds off Grant Hackett’s record of 7:23.42, which the Australian set in 2008.

The fact that Hackett is a seven-time Olympic medallist – including winning three golds – show the company that Wiffen is now keeping.

Wiffen’s 800m triumph is his third medal in Romania, after he also claimed gold in the 400m and the 1500m.

Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 11th December

Speaking to European Aquatics after the swim Wiffen said “It’s amazing. I had people messaging me asking if I was going to try and break the world record, but I was trying to keep it under wraps that I was in the shape for it. I actually felt horrible during the morning so it’s great to swim that fast when I’ve been feeling that way.

"This is the hardest ever period (of racing) as I’ve had ten days of racing. I’ve done four 1500’s, three 800’s and two 400’s in ten days and to finish off with the world record just proves my fitness.

“This time last year I broke the European record in the 800m and then in April I went 14:36 and then at the world champs, two fourth places and a European record long course in the 800m freestyle. Off the back of that I was kind of disappointed with my fourth places so coming here I was like ‘we need to step up, no more fourth places’ let’s get in the medals and we came away with three golds and a world record which is just amazing!"