Two-time Olympic medalist Daniel Wiffen concluded his participation in the Olympic Games claiming the 18th position in men’s Marathon 10km swim. Upon completing the strenuous course, Wiffen, who bagged the gold in the 800m freestyle, evaluated the marathon swim as akin to a contact sport and affirmed that he would refrain from participating in it once more.
“In the beginning, I received a punch on my face that was rather painful,” he shared. “It was followed by three hits to my head, a kick in my abdomen and I believe I injured my groin halfway through. By the time I reached the final lap, I was absolutely exhausted. It was an abysmal experience.”
The taxing race was conducted in the River Seine, adjacent to the Pont Alexandre III bridge. Wiffen was unable to infiltrate the leading pack from the race’s outset.
Featuring 31 contestants, the event was conducted over six laps, with six contestants failing to conclude the race. Wiffen’s participation underscored his prowess as an Olympian skilled in two sports, as the 10km event is acknowledged as a separate category from pool swimming.
All eyes now turn to Adeleke as Wiffen wraps up his Olympic journey which he described as ‘the most excruciating yet rewarding experience of his life’.
“The reason why it ranks as the most horrifying experience for me is due to the unbearable pain I endured,” Wiffen asserted. “However, it was also the most fulfilling because I take pride in being recognised as an Olympic open-water swimmer, a dual-sport athlete, and a contact-sport athlete.”
The coveted gold medal was awarded to Hungary’s Kristoff Rasovszky, who completed the race in 1:50:52.7, over six minutes ahead of Wiffen who clocked in at 1:57:20.1.
Wiffen’s participation in this historic Paris Olympics – where, at 23 years, he commenced with the first swimming gold ever clinched by an Irish male swimmer and followed by a bronze in the 1,500m stroke – has come to a close.
“At the finish line, I was fully aware that I never had a chance since the beginning,” Wiffen noted, in retrospect. “My only objective was not to finish last, and I am relieved I achieved that.”