Shortly after Daniel Wiffen clinched two gold medals at the World Championships in Doha last February and made history as the first Irish swimmer to achieve such a feat, he was spotted at a media event in Dublin. This was our first glimpse of Wiffen outside the aquatic confines, and what stood out was his remarkable physique. His long, slender legs, slender waist, and robust upper torso appeared to be almost disproportionate.
While he is not exactly on par with Phelps yet, he is definitely on route. Wiffen’s mounting self-confidence and faith in himself is undeniable. However, his rapid ascent to the Olympic medal stand might not have occurred so quickly without his swimming-ready physique.
Indeed, the message conveyed in the classic film, Chariots of Fire, which tells the story of the 1924 Paris Olympics, seems quite apt here: “You can’t put in what God left out.”
In February, Wiffen was already brimming with determination to clinch gold in Paris. He was confident about his ability to claim double gold in the 800m and 1,500m events, having achieved the same in Doha where he was also titled the male swimmer of the meet.
Wiffen’s high aspirations for himself were clear from his statements. His unapologetically bold and candid demeanor is what also seems to drive him in the pool. However, don’t confuse his confidence with arrogance, and any slightly geeky impressions do not mask his passionate ambition to be atop the Paris medal stand.
Wiffen has never shied away from his origins. Born in Leeds to Rachel and Jonathan on 14th July 2001, three minutes prior to his twin Nathan, Wiffen has always identified as Irish. His family relocated to the village of Magheralin on the Armagh-Down border line when the twins were just two and a half years old.
During his initial days at the Lurgan Swimming Club and later in Lisburn City, Wiffen found motivation through his brother Nathan. Their parents continually fuelled their sibling competition by having them compete in different events. Post the Tokyo Olympics, Wiffen decided to join Nathan at Loughborough University, a pivotal step in his career progression.
Wiffen marked his first substantial achievement in Tokyo, setting Irish records by ranking 14th in the 800m and 20th in the 1,500m swimming events. However, his transformation began with his university education in Loughborough. As he puts it: “my real journey began when I started my university at Loughborough.”
Joining Loughborough was an initiation by fire for Wiffen. He found himself struggling at first, trying to swim in the deep end with world and Olympic champions as teammates. However, this challenging environment pushed him to perform better.
Reflecting upon last year’s events in Fukuoka, Wiffen counted it as a critical point in his career. After finishing fourth in both the 800m and 1500m categories, he decided with Andi Manley at Loughborough that they needed to change their strategy. This decision worked in his favour and helped his performance in the subsequent season.
His growth was visibly evident at last December’s European Short Course Championships held near Bucharest, where he secured his third gold medal of the week. Wiffen shattered a 15-year-old world record held by the Australian champion, Grant Hackett, achieving a time of 7:20.46 in the 800m freestyle. Additionally, he broke Gregorio Paltrinieri’s 800m European record in Fukuoka, with a timing of 7:39.19 that won him fourth place. Both Hackett and Paltrinieri were quick to congratulate Wiffen and recognised his extraordinary potential.
Securing the 800m gold medal on Tuesday evening, Wiffen elevated the European and Olympic record to 7:38.19, while 29-year-old Paltrinieri settled for bronze.
“I’ve just turned 23, the prime age for my event is 27,” expressed Wiffen subsequently. “The future is unpredictable but I am thrilled to assert myself as an Olympic victor.”
Undeniably, this victory marks a starting point rather than a moment to rest on his laurels, as it’s become more than clear that he will strive for more.