Daniel Wiffen has spoken of his immense pride and joy after swimming into the history books at the Paris Olympics.
The Magheralin man grasped a bronze medal in the 1500m freestyle Final to maintain the celebrations after he won a thrilling 800m freestyle on Tuesday.
He became the first athlete from Northern Ireland to win an Olympic gold medal in 36 years and now the 23-year-old is also the first Team Ireland athlete to claim more than one medal in the same Games in 28 years.
Daniel Wiffen claimed bronze in Sunday night’s 1500m freestyle Final
Wiffen is the first Irish man ever to win two Olympic swimming medals and Ireland now have six medals in Paris, equalling their best ever haul at London 2012.
But there was no medal success for Rory McIlroy who finished in a tie for fifth in the men’s golf competition after a costly double bogey at the 15th hole saw him tumble down a leaderboard ultimately topped by American Scottie Scheffler at 19-under-par.
USA’s Bobby Finke set a world record of 14 minutes 30.67 seconds with a stunning performance in the 1500m freestyle Final while Wiffen was third (14:39.63) behind Italy’s Gregorio Paltrinieri (14:34.55).
Rory McIlroy fell short in his push for an Olympic medal
“I’m so happy. I couldn’t dream of anything better. Being an Olympic champion is like a dream come true,” said Wiffen.
“I did have my sights set on a world record but today wasn’t the day. Well done to Bobby, he did class, and we will be back better next time.
“Tonight I’m going to celebrate. I’m going to put the pool behind me until next season. It’s quite emotional. I don’t know what to say. A gold and a bronze, I can’t be more happy.
“Today’s race didn’t go my way but who cares, I’m an Olympic champion.”
In the men’s golf, McIlroy dropped out of medal contention and his team-mate Shane Lowry finished five-under-par and in a tie for 26th place.
Tommy Fleetwood won silver for Team GB on 18-under, with Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama claiming bronze one back on 17-under.