DANIEL WIFFEN admitted “good things always come to an end” after reaching to end of an era in his swimming career.
The double Olympic medallist enjoyed another success-laden weekend at the BUCS Championships.
The Loughborough swimmer came away with three gold medals – the 1,500m freestyle, 800m freestyle, and 400m freestyle.
It marked the end of a very successful chapter in his career, with it being his final time competing at the BUCS Championships.
Wiffen caps off his run with six BUCS records, over 18 titles, eight men’s championships, and eight team championships.
The Irishman was also named MVP on five occasions in four years.
On Instagram, the 23-year-old posted a farewell to the competition.
He said: “Good things always come to an end and yesterday was my last time competing at the @bucssport championships for @lboroswimming @lborosport
“Over 4 years of competing I hold 6 BUCS records and I have won 18+ titles, 5 MVP trophies, 8 Men’s championships and 8 team championships for @lboroswimming
“Thank you to everyone that supported me and thank you @bucssport for always putting on a great event“
It was his first time in the pool since the Paris Olympics, and came a year after he won a World Championship gold medal.
He had to contend with his twin brother Nathan, who finished second in the 1,500m.
It was the latest sign of Wiffen’s prediction coming true that both men will be vying for medals at Los Angeles 2028.
In Paris, Daniel won a bronze medal and a sensational gold medal, while also shattering the 800m freestyle Olympic record.
And as far he is concerned, it will not be a case of IF he will return to the podium, but one of how many medals he takes home.
Speaking at the RTE Sportsperson of the Year awards, he said: “No doubt I will be on the podium. It will be more of how many I can get.
“That’s my goal. I am thinking three golds!”
Wiffen is confident he will not be alone at LA 2028, and has backed twin brother Nathan to join him there.
Having narrowly missed out on qualifying for Paris, Nathan sought to bounce back at his first World Championships.
He finished ninth in the 1,500m freestyle, clocking a personal best in the process.
And Daniel added: “I was watching Nathan at the World Championships and he is getting quite close.
“I do think I have to step my game up. He made two finals.
“He will probably be on the podium with me [in LA]. That is my special moment for LA, to be on the podium.
“Hopefully joint first.”
