Daniel Wiffen finishes Olympics with nod to history even as he makes more of it

The long-distance pool races are brutal tests of endurance, physically and mentally, but he had years of experience in both before he pitched up in Paris.

GAVE IT A GO: Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen after finishing 18th in his first 10km. Picture: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

The days of the have-a-go sportsman and woman are supposed to be a thing of the past. Consigned to history with cotton swimming shorts, cinder tracks and the magic sponge. Daniel Wiffen is an Olympic champion but he revived some of that spirit in the River Seine on Friday morning.

The Magheralin man had signposted his intention to take on the 10k Open Water swim from a good distance out. He could have easily begged a leave of absence. The water quality was a constant source of concern through the Games. No-one would have batted an eyelid.