Irish Swimming Championships: Daniel Wiffen wins third gold in 1500m freestyle but misses out on Bobby Finke’s record

Earlier in the championships Wiffen had set the quickest mark in the world this year in the 800m freestyle and claimed victory in the 400m freestyle.

The times in each were enough to secure his place in all three events at the World Swimming Championships in Singapore in July where he is the defending champion in the 800m and 1500m freestyle.

Wiffen described his week’s work as “job done” and stated his aim is to “bring it into Singapore” where he is targeting three golds.

“Compared to the rest of the week, that’s probably the best time out of them all in my book,” he said of his final race.

“The 1500m is always a hard event to do when you’re coming back from such a long break because you need that training base to basically have that back end endurance.”

Wiffen will immediately head back into training, in Belgium next week and then Flagstaff in Arizona, as he prepares for all three disciplines in Singapore, although there is one event he is looking forward to more than the others.

“The 1500 is my most important race,” he added.

“I’ve won the 800 at the Olympics, Worlds and Europeans and set the world short course record.

“The 1500 has been lacking for me in terms of the big meets, I’ve got a bronze and I’ve got a world championship gold but I want to push it on.

“I really want that world record, it’s been my childhood dream to have that world record and I’m going to keep pushing until I get it.”