10 questions: Daniel Wiffen on his proudest moment, the inspiration of Grant Hackett and the comfort of being a twin

Houdini said to get out of bed was the hardest thing he could do. What is the hardest thing about your day?

The hardest thing for me about my day is when I must balance university with swimming. I  swim for about five hours a day and on top of that I have about four hours of university lectures to do as well.

What do you think about when you are training – does it ever change?

When I’m training I think about mostly racing everybody in my squad and channel my thoughts on every single Rep. It never changes – it’s always the same.

What has been the proudest moment of your career – so far?

The proudest moment in my career was when I broke the world record at the 2023 European Short Course Championships in Otopeni.

What has been the biggest challenge of you career – so far?

The biggest challenge I’ve had in my career so far was at the Fukuoka World Championships in 2023, where I came fourth twice. From there, I think that’s the reason why I came to win at the end of 2024 Olympics.

Who has been your sporting inspiration – either in your own sport or any other?

My biggest sporting inspiration was Grant Hackett, the best distance swimmer in the world. And Mack Horton was my childhood idol as I remember him winning the 400m freestyle at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

How do you think your success has influenced the way swimming is now perceived in Ireland?

I think after winning the Paris Olympics it made a massive effect. We are now the number one sport in Ireland and also I saw a lot of children getting into pools every day saying that I inspired them.

If you hadn’t become a swimmer what do you think you would have been?

If I wasn’t a swimmer I think I would either play basketball or I would play golf. I’d always be involved in sport.

What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you?

The strangest thing that’s ever happened to me would have to be being a twin (with Nathan) – probably because I’m never alone and I always have somebody beside me and hopefully winning beside me in the future.

What is your secret passion?

My secret passion is my love for the cinema. I love to go and see every movie that comes out and I actually review them as well!

What would you like to have achieved by the end of 2025?

At the end of 2025 I would like to be world champion again. I would like to make a successful defence of my two titles and to break as many records as possible.

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