Outcry over BBC response to Daniel Wiffen winning Olympic gold medal for Ireland - 'look what it says on his shirt'

Daniel Wiffen made a splash in the history books on Tuesday evening, seizing Ireland's first gold at the Paris Olympics with a sensational swim to victory in the men's 800m freestyle. But, there was an outcry due to British broadcaster the BBC's commentary.

Wiffen splashed his way into the record books as Ireland's premier male swimming medallist and third overall, following Michelle Smith and Mona McSharry, the latter nabbing bronze just a day prior in the women's 100m breaststroke.

In the wake of his triumph, BBC Sport took to Twitter stating: "History in Paris! Daniel Wiffen becomes the first athlete from Northern Ireland to win an Olympic gold medal since 1988."

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There was a wave of reactions pointing out that Wiffen, who celebrated his win wrapped in an Irish tricolour, clinched the medal for Ireland. One observer remarked: "Look what it says on his shirt."

"Isn't he Irish and representing Ireland? " pondered another. A different user questioned: "That top doesn't say Northern Ireland?" "It clearly says Ireland on his shirt and he's even pointing to it," another person observed.

But, Wiffen - who has British and Irish nationality - was actually born in Leeds, England. He moved to Magheralin, County Down, at the age of two.

He represents Ireland at the Olympic, World, and European levels, and Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games.

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High-profile politicians, like Stormont First Minister Michelle O'Neill and her deputy Emma Little-Pengelly were quick to join the chorus of congratulations for Wiffen. Marking the significance, they issued a joint statement saying, "This is truly a momentous occasion for Daniel and for local sport."

Their praise continued, noting, "Not only has he secured NI's first Olympic gold medal in 36 years, it is also the first medal of the Games for our athletes and he set a new Olympic record. It was a fantastic performance by the @TeamIreland swimmer."

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After his remarkable feat, Wiffen shared his thoughts, "I don't think a lot of people actually believed me that I was going to do it tonight but yeah it was incredible. I've done it that's all I want to say!"

Sharing an insight into his pre-race jitters, Wiffen confided, "I was so nervous, that's the most nervous I've ever been for a race but do you know what calmed me down I heard by brother shout for me as soon as I walked out. I heard none of the crowd just him, and that's what calmed me down, and really levelled my head.

"I'm not going to lie, there's this whole saying going around that I'm getting 'Finked' I'm glad to say I haven't been 'Finked" so obviously pretty happy to get my hand on the wall first."

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