Daniel Wiffen of Ireland reacts after the Men’s 800m Freestyle final
Olympic gold winner Daniel Wiffen has withdrawn from the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.
The Irishman finished eighth in the final of the 800m freestyle on Wednesday but admitted he was struggling with a stomach problem, saying he felt “really weak” after the semi-final on Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, Daniel Wiffen has had to withdraw, on medical grounds and due to the ongoing effects of appendicitis he dealt with in June, from the remainder of competition at the World Aquatics,” Swim Ireland confirmed..
Wiffen led the field through the opening 350 metres of the 800m final on Wednesday, but faded in the latter half to come home in 7:58.56, nearly 14 seconds off his personal best. The 24-year-old later revealed he had been struggling with stomach issues during the race.
“Obviously not my best showing, from last year winning the Olympics to coming eighth in the final,” Wiffen said after the race.
“But honestly, I’m happy to be in the final, still progressing, still getting those nerves up. You know, that’s what sport’s about, trying to get myself uncomfortable, and I was definitely uncomfortable in that race.
“I’m pretty sure I was leading at one point and then I got to 400m and then my stomach was in pieces but, you know, I’m happy to be in the final, I’m happy to represent Ireland again in a final.’”