In Co Armagh and Down, across Ireland and in Paris, they cheered as Daniel Wiffen surged his way to a hugely exciting win to secure Ireland’s first gold of the Olympic games.
The man from Magheralin went off the blocks as favourite and did not disappoint as he beat off the challenge from Bobby Finke of the United States and Italy’s Gregorio Paltrinieri, the early pace setter.
The 23-year-old from Magheralin on the border between Down and Armagh, the world record holder at the distance, was the bookie’s 10/11 favourite to win after recording the fastest time in the semi-finals.
Daniel’s swimming club, Larne, hosted a watch party at Portmuck Bay near Islandmagee while all his family have decamped to Paris for the games to watch as the Olympic winner swam a perfectly executed race
He took the lead at the midpoint of the race but lost ground with 50 metres remaining to Finke. He passed his rival in the closing stages. but dug deep and his finish was worthy of any Olympic medal as he passed Finke in the closing stages.
Belfast swimmer Jack McMillen also received a gold medal after Team GB won the 4x200 freestyle relay. He did not swim in the final but played a key role in the heats.
Daniel promised he would make history and that is what happened, he said after the race. He is the first male Olympic gold medal winner in the pool.
“Definitely it was the way I wanted to execute (the swim)”, he said after the race.
He added that the only person he could hear making his way from the pool was his twin brother Nathan, also a champion swimmer, shouting from the stands.
Daniel said it was amazing to win the gold medal at the Olympics, adding that following his victory in the world championships earlier this year he can now he is one of the best ever in the world.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “On behalf of the entire country, hoarse from screaming at their televisions and computer screens, I would like to send our absolute admiration and congratulations to Daniel Wiffen.
“Daniel, you did it—Olympic Gold and an Olympic record.
“The 800-metre freestyle final in Paris was one for the ages and Daniel’s technique, power and grit under pressure confirms him as a once-in-a-generation athlete.
“He’s a world champion and now an Olympic champion and it was our privilege to witness it.”
Earlier, Catriona Hughes, chair of the local community association said everyone in Magheralin is hoping for victory.
Currently studying in Loughburough University and training as a member of their elite program under coach Andi Manley, Daniel was planning to follow Mona McSharry on to the podium after her third place finish in the 100m breast stroke on Monday
Another Larne Swimming Club member, Newtownabbey’s Danielle Hill, is also competing in the games, qualifying for the semi finals in the 100m backstroke but missing out on a final spot. She will compete in the 50m freestyle heats on Saturday, while Daniel will be focussing on the 1500m freestyle on the same day.
Daniel, a former pupil at St Patrick’s Grammar in Armagh City, won the 800m and 1500m freestyle gold at the World Aquatic Championships in Doha in February.
“If I didn’t come away with a medal I would be very disappointed,” Daniel said ahead of the Olympics.
“Going in with the times that I’ve produced, with my PBs (personal bests), they would just put me on the podium if I can replicate them. I’ve done it time and time again so we’ll just keep doing what we are doing.”
All of the Wiffen family have travelled to Paris for the games, including twin brother Nathan who narrowly missed on Olympic qualification. Mother Rachel and father Jonathan along with siblings Ben and Beth are also in Paris.
Derry McVeigh, of Silver Hatch Sports, which represents both Daniel and Nathan, said the family is incredibly close and supportive.
“Daniel will be in camp but the relationship between the members of the family is that they will be on to each other five or 10 times a day,” Mr McVeigh said.
He added that the swimmer brings “incredible positivity” to the camp, that he has “real leadership qualities” and a “can do it” attitude.
Richard Archibald, Interim CEO, Sport NI said: “We are proud to have supported Daniel at the start of his career through our National Lottery funded Athlete Award. His progress over the last few years has been incredible, with European and World titles as well as a coveted world record and now an Olympic record.
“He is an inspiration to us all and I am sure his win will encourage many young people across Northern Ireland to try their hand at swimming. With two more events to come the sky is the limit for Daniel and we wish him all the very best!”
Brother Ben, six years older and a one time Irish 1500 metre medallist, was an early inspiration to the twins and is now a swimming coach in Enniskillen.
Rachel and Jonathan Wiffen, originally from Liverpool and Leeds respectively, moved to Magheralin when the twins were two.
Mr Wiffen spent some years working abroad so much of the work of helping to develop the twins’ talent fell to their mother.
While they were growing up, the both trained twice a day, three days a week, and once a day three other days, then with competitions at the weekends.
Mr Manley, Daniel’s head coach at Loughborough University, said the swimmer knows how his rivals will swim and that they have covered “all the ‘what if’ scenarios” to ensure he has reached peak performance.
“Anything can happen, but in terms of what we’re focusing on, it’s just going to be delivering the best race possible for him,” said Mr Manley.
“We know how his rivals will swim it. We’ve been talking about that a lot over the last 18 months, in terms of all the ‘what if’ scenarios, and how to go about that. But I think he’s at a level now where he shouldn’t be fearful of anyone.”
