‘I’m really happy’ – Daniel Wiffen reacts to historic Men’s 800m World Championship gold medal win

The Armagh native is the first Irish swimmer to win a medal at the World Championships and delivered the top award in a time of 7:40.94.

In the absence of the three medallists from last year’s 800m final in Japan – when he finished fourth – this was his opportunity and he made the most of his chance.

Last December, he set a new world short-course record when winning the European 800m title, but this was a significant step up in class.

He will be in action in the 1500m event later in the week. His Christmas present to his parents was a paid trip to Doha to watch him in action and they celebrated his win, along with other family members and supporters.

There was no doubting the merit of Wiffen’s victory. His finished two seconds ahead of the silver medallist, Australian Elijah Winnington (7:42.95), while Gregorio Paltrinieri from Italy took the bronze medal in 7:42.98 in the Aspire Dome.

Winnington (23) set off at a world record pace in lane eight and held the lead until after the midway point when Paltrinieri, who was in lane one, edged ahead.

The 29-year-old Italian was the most experienced swimmer in the final, having won the title in 2019 as well as securing an Olympic gold medal in the 1500m freestyle in Rio in 2016.

Essentially, Wiffen swam his own race in lane five, moving from fifth to second with the minimum of fuss before making his move and taking the lead with 150 metres to go and never looked under any pressure subsequently.

“Amazing, obviously the goal coming into this meet was to win a world medal and make the podium for Ireland, win Ireland’s first ever medal at a world championship level. It’s just really cool to say and I’m really happy,” he said.

“I was just really trying to build the confidence in myself and make sure I can trust it and execute my own race plan, and that’s what I did so I’m really happy.”

Wiffen returns to the pool on Saturday morning for the heats of the 1500m freestyle.

Ireland had never won a World Aquatics Long Course (50m) Championships. Shane Ryan (2018 bronze), Ellen Walshe (2021 silver) and Mona McSharry (2021 bronze) have all won medals at World Short Course (25m) Championships.

Four Irish swimmers will be in action on Thursday, with Olympic qualification available in all events.

Victoria Catterson is first up in the 100m freestyle. John Shortt, who turned 17 this week, returns to the world stage for the first time in 2024 in the 200m backstroke heats.

After a fifth place finish in the 100m breaststroke final on Tuesday, Mona McSharry returns for the 200m breaststroke, while Eoin Corby, also competing in the 200m breaststroke, makes his World Championships debut.