‘I don’t know why people like me’ – Daniel Wiffen reveals ‘crazy’ interaction with fans after Olympic gold medal

DANIEL WIFFEN opened up to Jacqui Hurley last night about his rapid rise to fame after a stellar 2024.

The 23-year-old swimming sensation made history by winning two medals in the pool in Paris last summer.

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He won a bronze medal and a sensational gold medal, while also breaking the Olympic record in the 800m freestyle.

If that wasn’t enough, Wiffen got TWO gold medals at the world championships.

The young man from County Down captured the hearts and minds of the nation and is still feeling the fame months on

Speaking at the RTE Sportsperson of the Year awards on Sunday night, he said: “No words can describe. Even walking down the street is difficult.

“I went down to Applegreen. I tried to stop for gas for two minutes and I ended up spending an hour there with people taking pictures.

“Life has changed, and it’s for the better.”

Wiffen took part in a 10km race for the first time in Paris – and joked that it would also be his last.

The short-distance specialist chose to give the longer format a go as it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to test his limits in the iconic River Seine at an Olympic Games.

Looking back, he said: “If I just take my most special moment from the games, it was actually from the Seine.

“I did it with four different training partners that I’ve trained with for the full four-year cycle.

“We all finished the race at the same time. We took a huge group photo in front of the Eiffel Tower.”

The Armagh native came home in 18th place after clocking a time of around two hours.

Immediately afterwards, the exuberant 23-year-old joked that he has now scratched that itch for good.

Although it is clear that Wiffen can handle show business, he was surprised by the sudden wave of eyes on his face.

“I think it was because of the interview that I said I had retired after one race. I don’t know what happened. Maybe the celebration.

“I don’t know why people like me in that racing environment.

“I just wanted to show my personality on that world stage and just win for Ireland and just bring back as many medals as I can.”

Wiffen was nominated for RTE SPOTY but was beaten to the gong by Paul O’Donovan.

The Cork rower took top honors Sunday night after winning his third straight Olympic medal in Paris.

O’Donovan won silver with brother Gary in Rio de Janeiro and gold with Fintan McCarthy in Tokyo.

And the 30-year-old made it three in a row by retaining the lightweight double sculls title alongside McCarthy in Paris.