Olympic champion Daniel Wiffen has announced his withdrawal from the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, citing the lingering effects of appendicitis he suffered in June. The Magheralin native, who clinched gold in the 800m freestyle at the Olympics, faced significant challenges in his recent performances.

Performance Struggles

Wiffen, 24, finished eighth in the 800m freestyle final on Wednesday, despite a strong start. He revealed that his "stomach was in pieces" after the halfway mark, severely impacting his stamina and speed. Earlier in the competition, he barely scraped into the final as the last qualifier from the heats, admitting he felt "really weak" after his heat. On Sunday, he placed 16th overall in the 400m heats.

Decision to Withdraw

The 800m Olympic champion was scheduled to defend his 1500m World title on Saturday. However, after careful consideration, Wiffen decided to prioritize his health and recovery. "Just to let everyone know I have medically withdrawn from the World Championships in Singapore due to the appendicitis that I suffered from in June," he stated.

Future Plans

Wiffen expressed gratitude for the support he received during the 800m final and acknowledged that he wasn't at his physical best. "Thank you for all the support in last night's (800m) final. I wasn't physically at my best, but I will be working towards getting back to full fitness and winning shape soon," he added.

Impact on the Championships

Wiffen's withdrawal is a significant blow to the World Aquatics Championships, as he was one of the most anticipated competitors. His absence leaves a void in the 1500m freestyle event, where he was the reigning world champion.

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As Wiffen focuses on his recovery, fans and fellow athletes alike will be eagerly awaiting his return to the pool, hoping to see him back in top form for future competitions.