Magheralin's Daniel Wiffen 'so happy' at European medal shot with Ireland squad
Magheralin’s Daniel Wiffen will compete in the European men’s 800m freestyle final on Wednesday having posted a Season’s Best of 7:44.86, with the Olympic champion third fastest overall.
“Unbelievable, I'm so happy,” said Ireland’s Wiffen. “I even went out really quick through 400m, so it's a good sign for the final."
Belfast’s Jack McMillan had previously celebrated European gold for Great Britain as “the aim which we achieved” following early success at the aquatics championships in the 4x200m freestyle relay.
Having won Olympic Games gold in Paris during 2024 glory, McMillan was back on the pool podium in France across the European showcase – securing top spot alongside James Guy, Duncan Scott and Matt Richards in 7 minutes 1.52 seconds. Great Britain also lifted gold in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay
“It’s great for Great Britain for the women to also win and for the men," said McMillan on the official European Aquatics Championships website. “We haven’t done this since 2018 so it’s great to put ourselves back in this position and just challenging ourselves and each one of us did our best tonight.
"And gold was the aim which we achieved in front of a great crowd.”
Ireland’s Nathan Wiffen dipped under eight minutes for the first time season over the men’s 800m freestyle heats, clocking 7:57.08 for just over two seconds outside his Lifetime Best (7:54.60).
National Centre Ulster-based Rosalie Phelan and Alana Burns-Atkin – the latter on her senior international debut – each took part in the women’s 50m butterfly.
Matthew Hamilton from Lisburn competed across the men's 100m freestyle heats.
Enniskillen’s Ellie McCartney – recently winner of a bronze medal across the Commonwealth Games – reached last night’s women’s 100m breaststroke semi-finals.
National Centre Ulster-affiliated Lottie Cullen alongside Bangor’s Grace Davison – plus Darragh Greene and Jack Cassin – finished with a National Record time of 3:49.08 in the mixed 4x100m medley relay which had stood since 2021.
Cullen also reached the women’s 200m backstroke semi-finals and finished with a Personal Best of 2:12.22.