Olympics swimming hero Daniel Wiffen makes tough World Championships decision

Daniel Wiffen has decided against competing in the World Short Course Championships in Hungary next month.

The Ireland squad will depart next week for the championships in Budapest but will do so without the Magheralin sensation who struck gold at the Paris Olympics.

Instead, Wiffen's target will be to back up the two gold medals he won at the World Aquatic Championships last February when they are held in Singapore in July of next year.

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"I have decided not to compete in the World SCM Championships, as after my extended break post Olympics I want to train and get back to full fitness ready to defend my two world titles in Singapore in the summer," said Wiffen.

The 23-year-old swimmer won gold in the 800m and bronze in the 1500m in Paris, making him one of the biggest Irish stars of the Games.

He took a long break from training in the aftermath and, despite not yet medalling at the World short course event, the three-time European Short Course champion is giving it a miss this time.

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