‘Everyone is going to want to be a Daniel Wiffen’ – Swim Ulster chief

Olympic swimming gold medallist Daniel Wiffen has been described as an incredible role model for generations to come.

Northern Ireland had been without Olympic gold since 1988.

But that all changed when Wiffen and Jack McMillan won two gold medals within an hour during the swimming competition at the La Defense Arena in Paris on Tuesday night.

Great Britain’s Jack McMillan during the men’s 4 x 200m freestyle relay heats at the Paris La Defense Arena on the fourth day of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games (John Walton/PA)PA Wire/PA Images - John Walton

Wiffen, 23, from Magheralin close to Lurgan in Co Armagh, won gold in the men’s 800m freestyle event competing for Team Ireland, while McMillan from Belfast won gold as part of the Team GB men’s 4x200m freestyle relay team at the La Defense Arena.

Chief executive of Swim Ulster Stephen Cuddy described an amazing evening.

He also said there could be more medals to come with the competition continuing.

“We had an inkling that these two guys could do something special, but to get two gold medals in the one night within an hour of each other was something really spectacular,” he said.

Chief executive of Swim Ulster Stephen Cuddy at Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex in Bangor (Brian Lawless/PA)PA Wire/PA Images - Brian Lawless

“Northern Ireland hasn’t had a gold medal since 1988, so to add two to that, and then see Hannah (Scott) win another gold medal in the rowing, it’s spectacular. It’s quite surreal really.

“We’re proud swimming was able to lead the way.

“Swimming obviously is not front and centre like golf or football or Gaelic Games or rugby, so it’s a bit surreal seeing my Facebook and Twitter feed congratulating Daniel.”

He added: “It’s not as if he’s had people go before him that have led the way for him, he’s led the way for everyone else.

Ireland’s Mona McSharry during her Women’s 200m breaststroke Heat at the Paris La Defense Arena on the fifth day of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games (Martin Rickett/PA)PA Wire/PA Images - Martin Rickett

“Everyone is going to want to be a Daniel Wiffen.

“Kids need role models and goodness me I don’t think we could have a better role model than Daniel because he speaks very well, he’s full of belief, he’s just a really good news story in Ireland.

“Young swimmers starting off in Bangor, Lisburn, Ards or Larne, or any of those big clubs, have Olympic medallists to look up to now.”

Looking ahead, Mr Cuddy said he wouldn’t rule Sligo’s Mona McSharry out of adding to her 100m breaststroke bronze medal, as she takes part in the 200m breaststroke final on Wednesday evening, while Wiffen is set to compete in the 1,500m freestyle on Sunday.

“I would be hopeful that it’ll perhaps not just be the three medals coming back,” he added.