Due to illness, gold medallist swimmer Daniel Wiffen was forced to miss his duty as one of Ireland’s flag bearers during the Olympic Games closing ceremony.
Because Wiffen was unavailable, gold medallist rower Fintan McCarthy filled in alongside fellow swimmer Mona McSharry. Wiffen, a native of Magheralin, took part in Friday morning’s 10 km open water swimming competition in Paris.
The men’s triathlon event had to be postponed for a whole day during the first week of the Games due to concerns about the water quality in the Seine River, which was raised by the Olympic organizers.
Before competing in the open water event, Wiffen, 23, won a gold medal in the 800m freestyle and a bronze in the 1500m. He called his choice to participate in the closing ceremony “a great privilege.”
When McSharry placed third in the 100-meter breaststroke, she earned Ireland’s first Olympic medal.
The 23-year-old described it as “an incredible way” to end the Games and said she was “so shocked” to be selected. Ireland has never had more success at the Olympics than it did in 2024.
Wiffen’s gold medal was augmented by boxer Kellie Harrington, rowers Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy, and gymnast Rhys McClenaghan.
Read Also: Bell Shines Bright: GB’s Bronze and Relay Victories Boost Medal Count!
In the men’s double sculls, Banbridge rowers Philip Doyle and Daire Lynch finished in third place as well.
