The Co Armagh swimmer had spoken after the heats of his confidence of taking gold, and that was not unfounded as he went into the final as the fastest qualifier.
With his twin brother watching in the crowd, the 23-year-old world champion touched out in an Olympic record time of 7:38.19 to secure Ireland’s first gold of the Games. Reigning Olympic champion Bobby Finke took the silver, 0.56 behind, and Gregorio Paltrinieri the bronze.
Daniel Wiffen before the race. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen at the start of the race. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Daniel Wiffen competes in the men's 800m freestyle final. Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images
Daniel Wiffen competes in the men's 800m freestyle final. Photograph: Adam Pretty/Getty Images
Daniel Wiffen competes in the men's 800m freestyle final. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Daniel Wiffen reacts after winning gold in the men's 800m freestyle final. Photograph: Adam Pretty/Getty Images
Daniel Wiffen reacts after winning gold in the men's 800m freestyle final. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen celebrates with his gold medal. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Daniel Wiffen reacts after winning gold in the men's 800m freestyle final. Photograph: Adam Pretty/Getty Images
Bobby Finke, Daniel Wiffen and Gregorio Paltrinieri pose with their medals on the podium. Photograph: Adam Pretty/Getty Images
Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen celebrates with his gold medal. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen celebrates with his gold medal. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
