Daniel Wiffen closes in on second gold as fastest qualifier in 1500m freestyle

JOB DONE: Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen after winning his heat. Picture: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Daniel Wiffen remains very much on course for a second Olympic medal after putting in a statement swim in qualifying for the final of the men’s 1500m freestyle at the Paris La Defense Arena on Saturday morning.

The Magheralin swimmer won gold in the 800m freestyle earlier this week and reminded everyone afterwards that the 1500 is actually his better distance. He is the reigning world champion in both events, having claimed double gold in Doha at the start of the year.

Wiffen went out in the third of four heats with the top eight times among the 25 entrants going through to Sunday night’s final. No problem. Gregorio Paltrinieri stayed with him for the first half of the race, but no more.

The Armagh man had 1.5 metres to spare with 600m to go, led by over 5 metres at one point, and still had four by the time he touched the wall in a time of 14:40.36. As with the 800, Wiffen posted the fastest time and claims the key lane four for the final.

A hugely impressive swim and still one almost six seconds off his national record.

Earlier, Danielle Hill finished eighth in her 50m freestyle heat and 21st overall, which was not enough to qualify for the semi-finals. The Larne swimmer clocked a time of 25.02. Her PB of 24.68 would have ranked her 14th and just inside the mark required