The Daily Star Ireland
Daniel Wiffen delivered another commanding performance at the Irish Open Swimming Championships in the National Aquatic Centre, comfortably winning the 1500m freestyle final. Despite his victory, he fell short of his goal to break the world record in the event. Wiffen clocked a time of 14:42.71, finishing well ahead of his twin brother Nathan, who came in at 15:15.57. Denis O’Brien of Limerick secured third with a time of 15:22.18.
The Armagh swimmer had been vocal about his ambition to set a new world mark during this year’s championships. He had pinpointed the 1500m as his best opportunity to achieve it. The current record stands at 14:30.57, set by American Bobby Finke at the last Olympic Games — the same race in which Wiffen earned a bronze to add to his gold in the 800m freestyle.
Although he had previously clocked a faster 14:39.63 in La Defense Arena last August, Wiffen couldn’t match that pace today. His latest victory adds to his earlier wins in the 400m and 800m freestyle at the meet, although he admitted disappointment with his 800m time, which came in three seconds slower than his personal best and the European and Olympic record he set last summer.
Wiffen told RTÉ Sport he was pleased with his 1500m performance, describing it as his best swim of the week. He acknowledged the toll of back-to-back events, saying fatigue had set in after the 400m. Despite the lack of direct competition pushing him, Wiffen dismissed that as an excuse, noting he’s used to racing solo: he broke the Irish record at 17 and has often swum far ahead of the pack since.
Elsewhere at the championships, Ellen Walshe continued her strong form. Fresh from setting two national records in the 200m freestyle earlier in the week, Walshe posted a 4:41.86 in the 400m individual medley heats. The time was comfortably inside the World Aquatics Championships qualifying mark of 4:43.06, though Walshe chose not to compete in the final later in the day.
Her personal best in the event stands at 4:37.18, which also serves as both the Irish and championship record.
The Irish Open continues with more events as athletes aim for world championship qualifying standards and national titles.
