Olympics round-up: Daniel Wiffen wins gold for Ireland in 800m freestyle
Swimming
Daniel Wiffen made history as he claimed Ireland’s first Olympic gold medal of the Paris Games with a stunning victory in the men’s 800 metres freestyle final.
Wiffen became Ireland’s first male medallist in the pool and third overall after Michelle Smith and Mona McSharry, who only made it on to the list on Monday with bronze in the women’s 100m breaststroke.
Although Wiffen was trailing with 50m left, he overhauled Italy’s Gregorio Paltrineri then held off a late surge from Bobby Finke of the United States to seal top spot.
Sailing
The Irish crew of Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove ended the day second in the Men’s Skiff standings.
The top-10 after tomorrow’s trio of races will advance to Thursday’s medal race.
Badminton
Rachael Darragh lost her opening group match in the women’s badminton.
She fell to a 2-games to 1 defeat to Switzerland’s Jenjira Stadelmann, having squandered match point in the second game.
Rugby Sevens
The Ireland Women’s Sevens team had to settle for eighth in their competition, following defeats today to France and Great Britain.
Canoeing and kayaking
Noel Hendrick has advanced to the semi-final of the Men’s kayaking.
However, a 50-second penalty incurred at the penultimate gate of her second run denied Madison Corcoran the chance of a semi-final spot in the Women’s Canoe.
Rowing
Daire Lynch and Philip Doyle will race for a rowing medal on Thursday.
They won their semi-final of the Men’s Double Sculls this morning, posting the fastest time across the two semis.
Zoe Hyde and Alison Bergin have to content themselves with the B-final of the Women’s Double Sculls after placing fifth in their semi-final.
Men's hockey
Ireland’s 2-0 defeat to India this afternoon leaves them needing to win their remaining two fixtures in the group phase of the men’s hockey.
It’s Argentina next for Ireland on Thursday.
Boxing
Jennifer Lehane says she enjoyed her Olympic experience, despite a first round exit in the bantamweight boxing.
The Ashbourne fighter lost by unanimous decision to China's Chang Yuan