Olympic gold medallist Daniel Wiffen has confirmed his departure from the prestigious Loughborough University swim programme.

The 24-year-old took to social media to confirm the move, which ends a five-year spell that saw him rise to become one of the sport’s biggest stars.

“The day has finally come – I have decided that I am moving away from the Loughborough University swim programme,” Wiffen posted on Instagram.

“A place I called home for five years. A place where I grew from a swimmer that would never make it, to an Olympic champion.

“When I joined Loughborough, I went in with personal bests of 8:13 and 15:39 and now I’m leaving with personal bests of 7:38 and 14:34,” he continued.

“I just wanted to show this as this programme made me the athlete I am today and I’m sure it will continue to make new Olympic champions long after I’m gone.”

The County Armagh man went on to praise his coach Andi Manley, who led his rise to Olympic champion as he captured gold for Ireland in the men’s 800m freestyle at Paris 2024.

Wiffen also revealed that he would return to his native Magheralin to recover from the appendicitis issues that hindered his recent failed attempt at retaining his World Championship titles.

He also confirmed he plans to spend time training in the United States with his twin brother Nathan, who is currently studying and swimming in California.

“Now this chapter has come to a close I will be moving back to Ireland while I rehab from my appendicitis surgery and then will be hopefully joining Nathan in California for periods until LA28. Thank you, Loughborough,” Wiffen added.