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Olympic hero Daniel Wiffen misses opportunity to be Irish flagbearer at closing ceremony

Daniel Wiffen

Double Olympic medallist, Daniel Wiffen, says he is “feeling better” after being forced to miss the Games’ closing ceremony in Paris on Sunday night.

The Magheralin swimmer, who claimed gold in the 800m freestyle and bronze in the 1,500m, was set to be an Irish flagbearer, however, illness curtailed his involvement.

The 23-year-old was one of the standout performers for Ireland in what was the country’s most successful Games ever.

As well as his two medals, Wiffen finished 18th in the 10km open water swimming event in the Seine River on Friday morning, before announcing his retirement from open water competition – in jest, only time will tell.

The cause of Wiffen’s illness remains unknown.

Posting on X, Wiffen, said: “Thanks everyone who reached out, I’m incredibly disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to be flag bearer last night.

“Yesterday I rushed to hospital as I was very unwell with a bug that I am being treated for, and am feeling better now. I hope everyone enjoys the evening and I hope to be well enough to [see] everyone when we get home.”

Team Ireland will have a homecoming event in Dublin this afternoon (Monday).

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