By:
Joe Lyons
Olympic gold medallist Daniel Wiffen has revealed his latest career plans after leaving Loughborough University.
Wiffen, 24, announced his departure from the prestigious swim programme at Loughborough following five successful years that saw him become one of the sport’s top dogs.
The Irishman took to social media to confirm his new path, which will include a return to the Emerald Isle before joining his brother Nathan across the Atlantic – who currently studies and swims in California – ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
“The day has finally come – I have decided that I am moving away from the Loughborough University swim programme.
“A place I called home for five years. A place where I grew from a swimmer that would never make it, to an Olympic champion.
“When I joined Loughborough, I went in with personal bests of 8:13 and 15:39 and now I’m leaving with personal bests of 7:38 and 14:34.
“I just wanted to show this as this programme made me the athlete I am today and I’m sure it will continue to make new Olympic champions long after I’m gone.”
Wiffen made history at the Paris Olympics last year when winning gold in the men’s 800 metre freestyle, setting an Olympic record with a time of 7:38.19. He also picked up a bronze medal in the men’s 1500 metre freestyle.
Heading into the 800 metre race, Wiffen was the second favourite at odds of 9/4 with betting sites in Ireland behind market leader Samuel Short of Australia.
Prior to that feat, Wiffen won gold in the 800 and 1500 metre freestyle events at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha – becoming the first male Irish swimmer in history to win a medal at the World Championships.
WATCH: Daniel Wiffen makes history with Olympic record in men’s 800 metre freestyle
The moment Daniel Wiffen made history in Paris
An Olympic gold medal AND an Olympic record ♀️ #BBCOlympics #Olympics #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/OnkVIPSZfS
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) July 30, 2024
At the recent 2025 renewal of the World Aquatics Championships, Wiffen withdrew due to the ongoing effects of appendicitis he suffered from in June.
The Magheralin man finished eighth in the 800 metre freestyle final and admitted his “stomach was in pieces” after the halfway point.
Wiffen opted not to defend his 1500 metre world title and declared his intention to return when getting back to full fitness.
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