Armagh native chased world record in 1500m freestyle as he finished incredible 10 seconds ahead of his next competitor
his second gold medal at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, this time after his 30 lengths of glory in the 1500 metres final inside the Aspire Dome in Doha., a first ever medal for Ireland at these championships, Wiffen spent much of this race chasing the world record, before finishing just three seconds outside of that, his 14:34.07 still the fastest swim of his life, improving his own Irish record – and an incredible 10-second margin of victory.
Germany’s distance specialist Florian Wellbrock came through to win silver in 14:44.61, David Aubry from France took bronze in 14:44.85.“That race was definitely better for me,” Wiffen said, “a personal best, and the progression from the 400m, to the 800, to the 1500m, I’m just so happy to come away with two world titles.“Yeah, 100 per cent I was talking about it before with my coach Andi , we had a little bet as well, about whether I’d set a personal best or not.
Wiffen had already made Irish swimming history when breaking a world record in the event last December, taking the short course 800m mark, and it is only a matter of time it would appear before he makes this mark his own too.Defending champion Ahmed Hafnaoui from Tunisia once again missed out on this final, finishing back in 17th in his heat – the Olympic champion in the 400m missing out on all three finals in Doha, having also won the 800m in Fukuoka last year.
Wiffen also pockets another $20,000 for striking gold, having also finished seventh in the 400m final.
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