Daniel Wiffen emerged victorious in both the 800m and 1500m freestyle categories at the 2024 World Championships, marking the inaugural victory for an Irish male swimmer. Planning to compete in the impending Olympic Games in Paris, Wiffen will receive backing and sponsorship from Enfer Medical throughout 2024.
When asked whether he’s more of a spendthrift or a saver, Wiffen confesses to being a bit of both. He carefully allocates funds for his necessities and uses the rest to enhance his swimming performance, often resorting to frugality during the colder months.
Determined to get the best bang for his buck, Wiffen doesn’t take the first offer. Illustratively, when searching for compression leggings, he avoided an initial €1,000 price tag, and found a far better deal at €800.
His biggest splurge has been on a black Mercedes GLC Coupe. Essential for commuting to training and events, Wiffen considers his car indispensable. He proudly claims it to be as good as new, thanks to his borderline obsessive cleanliness – a trait which irks his family. His car is always immaculate; free from clutter or rubbish.
In terms of shopping during the Covid-19 constraints, Wiffen admits to almost forgoing shopping altogether as he was residing with his parents. However, any personal shopping he did engage in was predominantly online.
Although not typically one to haggle, Wiffen found himself doing exactly that at a recent Turkish training camp during a YouTube challenge where they had to buy each other outfits from a local market. The inherently competitive nature of his peers prompted extensive price negotiations.
Regarding changes in expenditure habits due to the pandemic, he mentions an escalated purchase of hand sanitiser and masks, which in hindsight, felt somewhat unnecessary considering the sanitised environment of a swimming pool.
On the subject of investments, Wiffen did not comment on whether he invests in shares.
My interests extend beyond academics into financial investment; indeed, I dabble in the stock market quite frequently. Pursuing computer science at Loughborough University has only fuelled this interest, with studies extending into cryptocurrencies and shares, understanding market dynamics as part of the curriculum. It’s enticing, and it’s understandable how the market ropes so many individuals in.
When asked about my monetary mode of transaction, I usually opt for a card or Apple Pay on my phone. As for my recent purchase, it was a two and a half week pass to the Gloria Sports Arena in Antalya, Turkey. No doubts about its worth – best environment to position myself in my quest for a podium finish in Paris.
Although affirming that I’ve incurred losses due to erratic exchange rates, I am not one to indulge in gambling. However, there was a memorable Boxing Day at Down Royal, Lisburn when I had bet on a horse and emerged victorious. Post that, I retired from the betting world, satisfied.
Even though I base not my life around money, it plays an essential part in aiding me in my pursuit – striving to be the world’s best swimmer.
As of now, I possess two notes – one for €20 and another for £20. I make it a point to keep both currencies in my possession at all times.
In an interview with Tony Clayton-Lea.