The current Loughborough University student stormed to victory in a gruelling Men’s 800m Freestyle final in a record time of 7:38.19.

Inside a raucous La Défense Arena, the 23-year-old produced a stunning finish to comprehensively hold off the challenge of American Bobby Finke.

Wiffen – who is coached by Loughborough’s Director of Swimming, Andi Manley – spoke before the games of his confidence to deliver a medal and he certainly delivered on that promise.

After cruising through the heats, he took the favourable Lane 4 in the final and soon set to work hunting down a landmark medal. Keeping pace for the first 600m, Wiffen timed his attack to perfection, hitting the wall at a canter after a rapid final 50m. 

A visibly emotional Wiffen collected his medal in front of his family and wider support team. 

Image provided by (AP Photo/Ashley Landis).

Speaking to BBC Sport after the race, he said: “I was writing 'I'm going into the history books', and that's exactly what I've done.

“It was definitely the way I wanted to execute it, it wasn't the time that I wanted, but Olympic finals aren't about getting times, it's about getting your hand on the wall first."

Wiffen’s medal is Loughborough’s first gold of the games and follows Adam Peaty’s silver on Sunday.

Daniel Wiffen recently told Loughborough Sport how he spends a typical day. To watch the full feature visit here: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/news-events/news/2024/july/day-in-the-life-swimmer-daniel-wiffen/

For all the latest Loughborough news around major global sporting events, visit the University’s dedicated website here: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/athletes-global-stage/

Join the conversation on social media with the hashtag #Lboro2Paris