Daniel Wiffen and Jack McMillan: Friends and rivals raise swimming’s profile in Northern Ireland

“It was just funny because I think it was like the first time we probably raced each other, to be honest, because we don’t really do the same events,” explained McMillan.

“So for him to come down a little bit from the distance events and and me to go up from the 200m it was good.

“Like being beside each other, actually racing. Racing each other was fun.

“Obviously, there were a lot of people in this part of the world watching that race, a little conflicted but absolutely terrific to have two guys from Northern Ireland battling it out for top spots at a European championships.”

McMillan stalked Wiffen for most of the race before overtaking his friend to claim his first senior international individual title. Wiffen was third.

“Obviously, I was the European champion from 2023, so it was bittersweet losing it, but it was amazing to share a podium with Jack,” said Wiffen.

“I’m not going to lie, I think Jack has beaten me, like, twenty times in the 400 freestyle when I was younger.

“For me, the 400m is always going to be that warm-up event for my main events in the 800 and 1500m freestyle, but I do take it seriously and I do want to win a medal in it, but it would always be the distance events that are my priority.

“I did mention to Jack, though, he can win European Championships and still not get an Ulster record.”