Daniel Wiffen has surrendered the first of his World Aquatics Championships titles, finishing eighth in the 800m freestyle final in Singapore with a time of 7:58.56 — well off the Olympic and European record of 7:38.19 he set when winning gold in Paris last year.
The title in Singapore went to Tunisia’s 20-year-old Ahmed Jaouadi, who surged ahead in the second half to claim gold in 7:36.88.
For Wiffen, 24, the result marks a rare stumble in a remarkable career that has already seen him win Olympic gold and bronze in Paris, plus double gold at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha — achievements that made him the first male Irish swimmer to score a medal at a World Championships.
Just a month before Singapore, Wiffen was in Sarawak’s capital, Kuching, for his first-ever trip to Malaysia.
He trained under the tropical sun at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, praising its “better than Europe” facilities as the perfect place to prepare for the heat and pace of Southeast Asia.
With the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next on his calendar, Wiffen’s time in Kuching stands as a reminder to young athletes that even champions face setbacks, but true greatness comes from consistency, resilience, and passion for the sport.
His story is a reminder to young athletes that the path to success is never a straight line. Every champion has days that don’t go to plan — but those moments can be the spark for the next breakthrough.
Wiffen’s drive, discipline, and love for the sport show that with the right mindset, even a setback can become part of a winning journey.
Sarawak Tribune: How has the journey been so far and how did Kuching, the island of Borneo, come into the picture?
Daniel: Well, we have the World Championships this year in Singapore. Back in Ireland, we’re about seven hours behind Singapore time, so before a big competition we usually move somewhere nearby for a couple of weeks to get used to the weather and adjust to the time zone.
Ireland was looking for a good training base, and we came across Kuching — and this amazing pool. We thought, this is perfect for our preparation camp before the World Championships.
Sarawak Tribune: Have you had the chance to explore the culture or try the local food?
Coach Voon has been taking us around, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve been playing it a bit safe with my meals since I’m training, but I’ve had nasi goreng and some other local dishes. The food here is incredible. I’ve been to Asia a few times before and I’ve always loved the food — and honestly, Kuching is one of the best places I’ve ever trained. The weather, the facilities — it’s all first class.
Sarawak Tribune: Speaking of facilities, how do they compare to others you’ve used around the world?
These are on par with, if not better than, European facilities. You’ve got a 10-lane, 50-metre pool with a roof — in hot weather, that’s amazing. The gym here is also excellent; we had a session yesterday and it has everything I need to prepare for racing fast at the World Championships.
Sarawak Tribune: Any local dish that’s really caught your attention?
I can’t remember all the names, but I’ve enjoyed everything we’ve tried. I’m a big noodle fan, so I’ve loved the noodle dishes. Probably not very Irish of me! But I used to live in India when I was younger, so I’m used to spices and I enjoy food from this part of the world.
Sarawak Tribune: This is your first time in Kuching, right?
Yes — and my first time in Malaysia. I’d definitely come back, especially if another major competition is held in Southeast Asia. This would be my top choice for a preparation camp — and why not even visit for fun?
Sarawak Tribune: You’re an Olympic gold medallist, having won in Doha. What’s the secret to recovery and staying sharp?
For me, it’s all about sleep — that’s number one. Hydration is number two. I get nine hours at night plus a two-hour nap during the day. That’s how I keep performing at my best.
Sarawak Tribune: How do you manage it?
It’s all about winding down. I avoid bright lights for two hours before bed, relax, watch some TV, and get into a sleepy mood. Routine is key.
Sarawak Tribune: What about your diet?
I’m lucky to have a nutritionist who plans everything for me. I eat around 7,500 calories a day to keep up with 100 kilometres of swimming per week. Honestly, at that volume, I can eat almost anything!
Sarawak Tribune: What advice would you give to young swimmers?
Enjoyment is everything. If you don’t love the sport, it’s not the sport for you. The day I stop enjoying swimming is the day I retire. I still love turning up to training every day — and here in Kuching, that’s easy.
Sarawak Tribune: How did you first get into swimming?
I’ve got three siblings — a twin, an older brother, and an older sister. My older brother decided to enter a swimming competition one day and loved it. My parents encouraged me to try, and I started at around 12 years old.
Sarawak Tribune: Any swimming idols?
Definitely. Mack Horton, the Australian Olympic champion; Grant Hackett, another great Australian distance swimmer; and my coach, Felix Auböck, who’s a world champion himself.
Sarawak Tribune: How do you keep the drive alive?
I’ve got a great group around me. My twin brother is my training partner, and we push each other hard. I’m a racer — I love competition — so training with eight to ten people every day keeps me motivated.
Sarawak Tribune: Do you see yourself chasing Michael Phelps-level legendary status?
For me, it’s about leaving a legacy — being remembered when I’m done. Winning gold medals certainly helps, and I plan to keep doing that.
