It has been labelled as ‘pointlessly antagonistic’
Daniel Wiffen made history last night after he won Olympic Gold for Ireland in the Men’s 800m freestyle race.
The incredible display ended with the Armagh man atop the podium, tearing up as Amhrán na bhFiann blared out over the speakers.
The heroic swimmer trailed behind Italy’s Gregorio Paltrineri with just 50m left in the race, however, a late surge saw him take the lead and hold off Bobby Finke of the United States to grab victory by 0.56 seconds.
Following the win, the BBC got themselves in some hot water with a social media post about Wiffen.
BBC slammed for reaction to Daniel Wiffen’s Olympic Gold for Ireland
The BBC Sport account posted on X saying: “History in Paris!
“Daniel Wiffen becomes the first athlete from Northern Ireland to win an Olympic gold medal since 1988.”
The post got some backlash from fans, who pointed out that Wiffen was representing Ireland and draped in the tricolour following his victory.
“News to me that there’s a northern Irish team in the Olympics,” replied one fan.
Another replied: “No country called Northern Ireland at the Olympics lads.”
A third added: “Pointlessly antagonistic, he’s representing Ireland.”
It’s definitely not the most controversial thing the BBC have put out on the topic, however, it definitely could have been worded better.
Born in in Leeds, Wiffen moved to Magheralin, on the Down Armagh county border, at the age of two and possesses both British and Irish nationality,
He represents Ireland at the Olympic, World, and European levels, but has represented Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games.
Read more:
- Daniel Wiffen wins gold medal for Ireland in 800m freestyle at Paris Olympics
- All of the Irish athletes in action at the Olympics today: Day 5
- Irish swimmer Daniel Wiffen appeared in Game of Thrones’ most controversial episode
