Olympics swimming: Wiffen ‘had eyes on Olympic record’ in 800m heats

World champion Daniel Wiffen says he had his eyes on an Olympic record as he qualified for the men’s 800m freestyle finals in first place.

The Team Ireland swimmer, who won world 800m and 1500m freestyle gold in February, stated before the Games that he would not be leaving Paris without a medal.

He put down an ominous marker in the 800m heats on Monday morning as he set the fastest time, and he will go into the final on Tuesday night as favourite.

“I was happy with my time, but I had my eyes on the Olympic record,” the 23-year-old said.

“But it’s only the heats, so it doesn’t really matter.”

Wiffen’s time of 7:41.53 was just outside the Olympic record of 7:41.28, which was set by Mykhailo Romanchuk of Ukraine.

The 23-year-old admitted he was “very nervous” ahead of his heat in a packed La Defense Arena as he embarked on his second Games.

“I was more nervous than when I walked out for the World Championship final, I think it’s just the crowd size and knowing that I have a lot of support in the crowd.”

Wiffen added there was “no expectation at all” as he looks to become the first athlete from Northern Ireland to win Olympic gold since Stephen Martin and Jimmy Kirkwood in 1988, who triumphed with Team GB’s hockey team in Soeul.

“I’m looking forward to it, 100%,” Wiffen said ahead of Tuesday’s final.

“I’ve got to try and calm down a bit now. I’ve a long time until the final where I have to get my recovery right.

“I’m just going to go into the final with an open head and try to get on the podium.”