“Embracing the Seine: A Journey Without Regrets”

Daniel Wiffen: No Regrets About Competing in the River Seine Despite “Violent” 10k Debut

Daniel Wiffen emerged from the River Seine after completing the 10k, promptly stating it would be his inaugural and concluding open water competition.

The remarks of the Irishman rapidly gained traction, being viewed and shared by countless individuals globally.

This marked the conclusion of Wiffen’s remarkable Olympic journey. Following a gold medal in the 800 freestyle, he secured a bronze in the 1500 prior to diving into the waters flowing through Paris.

Before the marathon swim, Wiffen believed he had a shot at a medal. Yet, by the time the race day arrived, he felt “completely exhausted” due to the unending series of interviews.

Daniel Wiffen: Photo Courtesy: Giorgio Scala, Deepbluemedia

Reflecting on the event, Wiffen expressed to Swimming World: “I was glad to have finished it. I was considering quitting after the second lap because I was completely worn out.

“I was conversing with the crew providing me nourishment, I was within the leading pack and I thought just relax: I was attempting to close the gap (on the top three) but no one else was willing to join me. It seemed everyone else was content with not vying for a medal, which I find hard to comprehend as I endeavored to accelerate the pace but no one else wanted to join in.

“Each time I took a drink, I started chatting with those assisting me: I find it impossible not to converse for two hours. I was just joking, saying I’d exit next lap, but I kept pushing on every time I mentioned it.”

The dual world champion remarked: “Honestly, the race was extremely violent: I was struck in the face so many times that I just thought I couldn’t be bothered anymore; I wasn’t in contention for a medal, so I began swimming alone. I know I can maintain a much stronger pace than the others, so I had no interest in getting hit in the face, fighting for 10^th place when I already had two medals.

“So, I just drifted to the outside to finish the race and ensure I emerged without a black eye even though I did have a slightly swollen eye post-race because when I jumped in, I got punched directly in the face and it derailed me since I was essentially out of medal contention right away. If you don’t get the start right in an open water race, you’ll never be in the thick of it.

“Nonetheless, I had a good time, and I genuinely enjoyed it. I’m pleased that my interview went viral; apparently, it brought joy to some. Aside from that, I have no immediate plans to participate in it again.”

Wiffen concluded the event in 18^th place during his debut, as Kristof Rasovszky secured victory over Oliver Klemet and fellow Hungarian teammate David Betlehem.

Four competitors were unable to finish due to the challenging course, conditions, and overall field that dashed their Olympic 10k ambitions.

British pair Hector Pardoe and Toby Robinson – who placed sixth and 14^th respectively – have trained alongside Wiffen at Loughborough, just like Felix Auboeck of Austria who took 24^th.

Kristof Rasovszky: Photo Courtesy: Andrea Masini / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto

Wiffen considers participating in the 10k alongside the trio as one of his most memorable experiences of Paris 2024.

He harbors no regrets about competing even after being hospitalized with a stomach ailment following the swim in the contaminated river, which prevented him from being one of the Irish flag bearers at the Closing Ceremony.

“To be truthful, I recognized the risks of going into the Seine. We were always aware it could happen; illness was likely, especially since I had raced for nearly a week prior and had to challenge my immune system in a two-hour swim which was unprecedented for me.

“We all anticipated I might fall ill, but the extent was far worse than I expected, with significant amounts of blood emerging from various places.

“Realistically, had it not been set in the Seine, I wouldn’t have participated. I only took part because it was held there, and it’s iconic. Thus, if it were at the rowing lake, I wouldn’t have dared to engage in the open water – I would have just gone out celebrating for a week.”