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23-year-old Wiffen makes history with Olympic 800m freestyle gold

23-year-old Wiffen makes history with Olympic 800m freestyle gold

By Navitalai Naivalurua
01/08/2024
Photo:SuperSport

23-year-old Daniel Wiffen became the first athlete from Northern Ireland to win an Olympic gold medal in 36 years as he triumphed in a thrilling 800-metre freestyle final in Paris.

Wiffen edged out American Bobby Finke to take gold by 0.56 seconds after a stunning burst of pace over the final 50 metres.

The 23-year-old also set an Olympic record with his blistering finish, recording a time of 7 minutes 38.19 seconds.

Cheers erupted around the La Defense Arena as Wiffen secured the first gold medal of the Games for Ireland.

There were tears in Wiffen's eyes as he received his gold medal, and his family and coaches watched with pride.

After stepping off the podium, he ran over and jumped into the arms of his family - including his twin, Nathan.

He becomes the first athlete from Northern Ireland to triumph since Stephen Martin and Jimmy Kirkwood with GB's hockey team in 1988 - and the first individual gold medallist since Lady Mary Peters won the pentathlon at the 1972 Games.

He also becomes the first Olympian from Northern Ireland to win Olympic gold for Ireland and the first Olympian from Team Ireland to win a gold medal in swimming since 1996.

China leads the medal tally with 9 gold, 7 silver and 3 bronze, host France is in second place with 8 gold, 10 silver and 8 bronze, Japan is third with 8 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze while Australia is fourth with 7 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze.

Source: BBC

Click here more Paris Olympic Stories and Updates here

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