TOUGH GOING BUT WIN WAS ALWAYS WIFFEN HIS RANGE

IRELAND enjoyed a glorious night at the European Short Course Championships in Poland as Daniel Wiffen claimed gold in the 1,500m freestyle and Evan Bailey secured bronze in the 200m freestyle.

- BY MIRROR REPORTER

The medals add to John Shortt's 200m backstroke gold and Wiffen's 400m bronze, leaving Ireland fourth on the overall table at the halfway stage.

For Wiffen, the win marked a significant moment in his season as he defended the 1500m title he first captured in 2023.

The 23-year-old controlled the race with trademark patience, staying close to Hungary's Zalan Sarkany for the first 1,400 metres. Only in the final 100 did he make his decisive move, pulling clear to touch in 14:13.96, with Sarkany settling for silver in 14:15.51. Germany's Florian Wellbrock completed the podium in 14:19.26.

Speaking afterwards, Wiffen admitted the race had tested him physically and mentally.