Olympic champion Daniel Wiffen 'rushed to hospital' after falling unwell

Olympic swimming hero Daniel Wiffen had to be 'rushed to hospital' following an illness and looks set to miss today's homecoming in Dublin.

Wiffen, who posted a message on X, he thanked everyone for reaching out and his disappointment at missing the Closing ceremony.

Wiffen was named to be flagbearer alongside bronze medal winner Mona McSharry, but it was announced yesterday by Team Ireland that gold medal winner Fintan McCarthy would be taking Wiffen's place for the closing ceremony.

"Thanks everyone who reached out, I'm incredibly disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to be flag bearer last night."

Thanks everyone who reached out, I’m incredibly disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to be flag bearer last night.

Yesterday I rushed to 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…

— Daniel Wiffen (@WiffenDaniel) August 12, 2024

Wiffen's illness comes after he took part in a 10km swim marathon event in the River Seine on Friday morning. Some athletes had pulled out of the event due to concerns about water quality.

Both Paris 2024 organisers and World Aquatics guaranteed the water quality met the thresholds set by the sport's governing body.

French authorities spent €1.4 billion on upgrading the city's sewage systems, promising the river would be clean for Olympic athletes to swim in.

However, water quality issues proved a headache during the triathlon events, with familiarisation sessions cancelled and the men's race postponed by 24 hours.

As of yet, it is not confirmed that Wiffen will be well enough to attend the celebratory homecoming ceremony outside the GPO on Dublin's O'Connell Street this afternoon.

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