Irish swimmer Daniel Wiffen's World Championship title retention goes wrong after suffering with illness
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Wiffen's World Championships haven't gone to plan so far
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The former Loughborough University swimmer was struggling with illness
The Magheralin native was on world record pace 100m into the race as he led the pack for the first 300m.
He was then quickly caught by Ahmed Jaouadi who went onto win the race and set a third best-ever time in this disciple of 7:36.88.
In last year's 800m freestyle, Wiffen made history by becoming the
He won gold in this event last year and did so with a time of 7:40.94, a time which would have missed out on a podium place in this year's high-speed race.
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The 24-year-old was recovering from appendicitis in the lead up to the final and it took it's toll on the Irish swimmer, though he is not disheartened by today's result.
When speaking to
"Obviously, not my best showing, from last year winning the Olympics to coming eighth in the final. But honestly, I'm happy to be in the final, still progressing.
"Still getting those nerves up. That's what sport's about, trying to get myself comfortable and I was definitely comfortable in that race.
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"I'm pretty sure I was leading at one point, and then I got to the 400 and then my stomach was in pieces.
"So, not my best showing but I'm happy to be in the final, happy to represent Ireland again in the final."
Sharlene Mawdsley takes part in hilarious road race as part of Tipperary's All-Ireland celebration
In
But with the final heat results confirmed, Wiffen progressed in eighth.
And he had admitted: 'I feel really weak at the moment. I just need to figure out what it is and change it for the final.'
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