Daniel Wiffen Becomes Ireland’s First SCM 1500 Freestyler Under 15:00

2021 FINA WORLD CUP STOP #2 – BUDAPEST

Although he landed off the podium tonight in Budapest, Irishman Daniel Wiffen posted a significant mark in the men’s 1500m freestyle final on night 2 of this FINA World Cup stop.

The 20-year-old hit a personal best of 14:48.24 to finish behind winner Florian Wellbrock of Germany, silver medalist Akos Kalmar of Hungary and Felix Auboeck of Austria. In doing so, however, Wiffen became the first swimmer ever from his nation to get under the 15-minute threshold in the event.

The previous Irish national record stood at the 15:00.88 Andrew Meegan put on the books in 2013 but Wiffen hacked that mark to pieces en route to snagging another national record for himself. The Olympian already owns the long source 800m and 1500m free records, as well as the Irish standard in the short course 800m free.

Wiffen competed at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo where he placed 14th and 20th in the men’s 800m and 1500mf freestyle events, respecifgely. It was there where he logged the aforementioned long course national records.

 

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NornIron Swim
3 years ago

Fingers crossed he stays fit and healthy because then it won’t be long until the LC barrier goes down too.
Great going young man! Keep ‘er lit!

Chris Powell
3 years ago

This is just the beginning for Daniel – he’s just 20 years old. Looking forward to more record breaking swims.

Reiss
3 years ago

Big things to come from the big man Diff in the future 🤩

About Retta Race

Former Masters swimmer and coach Loretta (Retta) thrives on a non-stop but productive schedule. Nowadays, that includes having earned her MBA while working full-time in IT while owning French 75 Boutique while also providing swimming insight for BBC.

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