Irish swimming sensation Daniel Wiffen missed the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics after being rushed to the hospital due to a stomach bug. The 23-year-old athlete, who had a remarkable run at the Games, winning a gold medal in the 800m freestyle and a bronze medal in the 1500m freestyle, was set to be one of Ireland’s flag bearers at the ceremony.
Wiffen’s absence from the ceremony raised concerns, which were later addressed when he took to social media to explain the situation. The swimmer revealed that he had been feeling unwell and was taken to a hospital in Paris on Sunday afternoon for medical attention. Despite the setback, Wiffen assured his followers that he is currently receiving treatment and is starting to feel better.
“I’m incredibly disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to be flag bearer last night,” Wiffen wrote on social media. “Yesterday, I was rushed to the hospital as I was very unwell with a bug that I am being treated for, and am feeling better now. I hope everyone enjoys the evening, and I hope to be well enough to see everyone when we get home.”
Wiffen was originally slated to carry the Irish flag alongside Mona McSharry, who secured a bronze medal at the Games. In his absence, rowing gold medalist Fintan McCarthy stepped in to represent Ireland at the ceremony.
The swimmer had competed in the 10km marathon race in the Seine river on Friday, finishing 18th. It is speculated that Wiffen may have contracted the bug during the open water event, a grueling race that he later vowed never to compete in again.
As of now, it remains uncertain whether Wiffen will be able to attend the homecoming celebration for Team Ireland in Dublin on Monday afternoon. The nation hopes for his swift recovery as they prepare to welcome back their Olympic heroes.
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