Olympics-Swimming-Wiffen takes men's 800 freestyle gold in Irish first

Paris 2024 Olympics - Swimming - Men's 800m Freestyle Final - Paris La Defense Arena, Nanterre, France - July 30, 2024. Gold medallist Daniel Wiffen of Ireland celebrates after winning and establishing Olympic record REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

PARIS (Reuters) -Daniel Wiffen wiped tears from his eyes on the Paris podium after becoming the first Irishman to win Olympic swimming gold, and a medal of any colour, with a thrilling 800 metres freestyle victory on Tuesday.

With his twin brother shouting in the crowd, the 23-year-old world champion touched out in an Olympic record time of seven minutes 38.19 seconds to secure Ireland's first gold of the Games.