On the last day of the Doha World Championships, it’s the last chance to secure a spot in the annals of swimming history. Besides the US swimming icons posing serious contention, the other nations are no less. Especially the Northern Irish swimmer Daniel Wiffen, who recently secured his name in Irish history. In the men’s 1500m freestyle today, Wiffen clocked in at 14:34.07 to nab the gold podium. But what’s more interesting?

He’s a fraction away from the world-leading time held by Sun Yang, who once swam to victory in just 14:31.02. Though it looks hard to achieve, the 22-year-old may do the impossible in no time. By now, the world is cognizant of where Wiffen’s strokes in the pool can get him. We’re getting a taste of the many phenoms who are taking their nation to great heights. And Wiffen is one such. His last podium losses in the 800m and 1500m came in Fukuoka last year. To make up for his last upset, he nabbed victory in both, along with a WR.

Writing history with Doha World Championships as the witness

Clocking in at 7mins 40.94secs, Wiffen outpaced the swimmer who dominated from the start, Gregorio Paltrinieri. Apart from affixing his name to the WR book, he also earned the title of short-course and European record-holder. Extending notes of ecstasy, he had said, “Amazing.”

“Obviously the goal coming into this meet was to win a world medal and make the podium for Ireland, win Ireland’s first ever medal at World Championship level. It’s just really cool to say and I’m really happy.” To mark the end of a phenomenal World Championships journey this year, Wiffen’s win and an almost world-leading time have brought him closer to Sun Yang.

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The latter set a record in the 2012 London Olympics final, which still stands untouched. But how long? It’s Wiffen looking straight at it. The post-race interview caught the 22-year-old saying, “I’ve been planning to get it at some point, but it’s unreal to get that time in February.” Inarguably, the multiple European Championships gold medalist, Daniel Wiffen, will be one of the hot favorites in Paris.

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