Daniel Wiffen Crowned Swimmer of the Year at the Swim Ireland Awards 2024: A Historic Year for Irish Aquatics
Daniel Wiffen was awarded the prestigious title of Swimmer of the Year at the 2024 Swim Ireland Awards after an incredible year in which he made Irish swimming history as both an Olympic and world champion. The ceremony, held at Dunboyne Castle Hotel in County Meath, celebrated Wiffen’s achievements along with the outstanding accomplishments of other top athletes and coaches who have helped elevate Irish aquatics to new heights.
A Golden Year for Daniel Wiffen
Wiffen’s year has been nothing short of remarkable. He began his streak in February, becoming the first Irish swimmer to win a world swimming title by clinching gold in the 800m freestyle at the World Championships in Doha. He followed this up by securing the 1500m freestyle title with a national record of 14:34.07, making him the fourth man in history to achieve this distance double at the championship level.
The Irish swimmer’s triumphs continued at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he further cemented his legacy. Wiffen made history once again, becoming the first Irish swimmer to win an Olympic title in the 800m freestyle, narrowly beating American rival Bobby Finke. Just days later, he claimed a bronze medal in the 1500m freestyle, with Finke breaking the world record in a highly competitive race.
Honoring Rising Stars and Established Champions
The night also honored other standout athletes across various aquatic disciplines. Paralympic swimmer Róisín Ní Riain received accolades for her achievements, while diver Jake Passmore was recognized as Diver of the Year for his strong performances at the World Championships and Olympic Games. Passmore also made it to the final round of the World Cup Super-Final in April, proving his skill and determination.
Grace Davison, who earned bronze in the European Junior Championships in the 100m freestyle, was awarded Female Performance Pathway Athlete of the Year. Davison’s season was a notable success, qualifying for two Olympic relays and demonstrating her potential to become a leading swimmer on the international stage.
In para swimming, Dearbhaile Brady won the Female Performance Pathway Award after an impressive year that saw her earn medals in the World Series and European Championships, capping it off with a remarkable 5th place finish in the 50m butterfly at her Paralympics debut.
Recognizing Exceptional Coaching and Contribution
Irish swimming owes much of its recent success to the dedicated coaches who guide these athletes. National Centre Limerick coach John Szaranek and Templeogue Swim Team coach Brian Sweeney shared the Performance Coach of the Year award. Curtis Coulter from Ards received the Performance Pathway Coach of the Year award for his work with Grace Davison, reflecting the vital role of coaching in the athletes’ achievements.
Celebrating the Legacy of Ellen Keane
Paralympic legend Ellen Keane was inducted into the Swim Ireland Hall of Fame during the Swim Ireland Awards 2024, honoring her extraordinary career that spanned five Paralympic Games. Keane’s career highlights include her SB8 100m breaststroke gold at Rio 2016 and silver at the Tokyo Games, representing a commitment to excellence and resilience in Irish swimming.
Clubs and Volunteers Making Waves
Swim Ireland Awards 2024 also recognized the crucial role of clubs and volunteers in nurturing young talent and supporting the sport’s growth. Sunday’s Well Swimming Club in Cork took home the Club of the Year award, standing out from an impressive shortlist that included Aer Lingus Masters SC, Bluefin SC, and Larne SC. The night also celebrated the dedication of volunteers Fionnuala O’Neill (Leinster), Pat McTigue (Munster), Natasha Walshe (Connacht), and Catherine Hanratty (Ulster), who have tirelessly supported their clubs and communities.
In a new category, the Outstanding Contribution to Aquatics Awards honored individuals who have made significant impacts across various disciplines. Recognized for their dedication were Keith Lynch (Water Polo), Aqualine (Aquatics), Peter Conway (Swimming & Open Water), and Ian Wright (Swimming).
Swim Ireland’s President’s Award
Swim Ireland President Alison Honan presented the President’s Award to Linda Stoops from Ulster, acknowledging her years of service and profound impact on aquatics in the Ulster region.
Reflections on a Groundbreaking Year for Irish Aquatics
The event closed with Swim Ireland CEO Sarah Keane’s remarks, celebrating an unforgettable year for Irish aquatics: “We are delighted to come together to celebrate the success of our athletes and to honor those that have helped them to get to where they are. It was fantastic to see so many from our community present to celebrate the most incredible year for Irish aquatics.”
The Swim Ireland Awards 2024 marked a historic milestone for Ireland’s aquatics community. With champions like Daniel Wiffen setting new standards and upcoming athletes showing promise, Irish swimming and diving are well-positioned for continued success on the world stage.
