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Wimbledon star wins in just 55 SECONDS before issuing apology to fans

BEN SHELTON won at Wimbledon in just 55 SECONDS.

The American No10 seed beat Australian Rinky Hijikata 6-2 7-5 6-4 in the second round.

Ben Shelton of the U.S. celebrates a tennis match win.
Reuters
Ben Shelton took just 55 seconds on Friday to seal his second-round Wimbledon win[/caption]

However, the match descended into chaos last night when play was suspended due to bad light at 9.29pm.

That was despite Shelton leading 5-4 in the third and about to serve for the match, having not dropped his serve in the entire match.

Shelton furiously protested as he was desperate to get over the finish line so he could have today as a rest day.

But as he was held back from arguing with the chair umpire by a Wimbledon official in the darkness.

So he made a rapid statement when he returned to No2 Court on Friday lunchtime.

Shelton won four straight points – including three aces – to complete the win in bizarre scenes.

And he could not help but laugh in his on-court interview, which was slightly delayed due to a technical glitch with the microphones.

Shelton later told ESPN: “It was difficult (last night).

“At that point we knew we were playing in conditions that weren’t ideal for tennis. For me it was like, ‘What’s one more game?’ at that point.

“I understand the tournament has got to make whatever decisions they have to make and the players have got to live with that.

“For me I lived with it, came out today and did what I had to do.

“I hadn’t got broken the whole match. I haven’t been broken since the first set of my first match.

“I felt confident coming out here to finish it and really enjoyed the way I served it out.”

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

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Two tennis players shaking hands at the net.
AFP
Shelton shook hands with Rinky Hijikata after the quickfire game[/caption]

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Liverpool postpone pre-season return with club and players grieving following tragic death of Diogo Jota

LIVERPOOL have delayed their players’ return for pre-season in the wake of Diogo Jota’s tragic death.

The Kop star and Portugal international died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, in the early hours of Thursday morning, aged 28, along with his younger brother, Andre Silva.

Diogo Jota gesturing during a soccer match.
AP
Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota was killed in a car crash in Spain on Thursday[/caption]
Diogo Jota and his brother in FC Porto jerseys at a stadium.
FC Porto
Jota’s younger brother, Andre Silva, also died in the crash[/caption]
Arne Slot, Liverpool manager, juggling a soccer ball at training.
EPA
Arne Slot’s troops’ return to training has been postponed following Jota’s passing[/caption]

And his passing has prompted the Merseyside club to delay the first group of Arne Slot’s troops’ proposed return to training, which was scheduled for Friday.

Tributes have poured in from around the world for the late dad of three, who lost his life less than two weeks after tying the knot with childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso.

Team-mate Mohamed Salah said: “I am truly lost for words.

“Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me of going back to Liverpool after the break.

“Team-mates come and go, but not like this. It’s going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won’t be there when we go back.

“My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and of course his parents who suddenly lost their children.

“Those close to Diogo and his brother Andre need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten.”

Former Kop chief Jurgen Klopp said: “This is a moment where I struggle!

Illustration of Diogo Jota's career statistics, including games played and goals scored for various clubs and the national team, and a list of his honors. Map showing the location of a fatal car crash in Spain involving Diogo Jota and his brother.

“There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!

“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.

“Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much!

“All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace.”

Reds boss Slot said: “What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw?

“I wish I had the words but I know I do not.

“All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about.

“My first thoughts are not those of a football manager.

I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre

Jurgen Klopp

“They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle and they belong to the family of Diogo and Andre Silva who have experienced such an unimaginable loss.

“My message to them is very clear – you will never walk alone.

“The players, the staff, the supporters of Liverpool Football Club are all with you and from what I have seen today, the same can be said of the wider family of football.

“This is not solely a response to tragedy.

“It is also a reaction to the goodness of the people involved and the respect that so many have for the boys as individuals and for the family as a whole.”

Jota and his brother will be laid to rest on Saturday in Gondomar, Portugal.

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Breakfast legend returns to BBC daytime for the first time four years after quitting sofa

A BREAKFAST legend has returned to BBC daytime for the first time four years after quitting the sofa.

The presenter previously fronted the corporation’s flagship morning show for nine years.

Woman laughing while wearing a cherry-print blouse and red glasses.
BBC
Louise Minchin returned to BBC daytime[/caption]
Screenshot of three people sitting at a table and talking.
BBC
She appeared on Morning Live with Gaby Roslin and Rav Wilding[/caption]

Louise Minchin, 56, became a regular anchor on BBC Breakfast in 2012 when she hosted the programme for three days a week.

Initially she sat on the red sofa alongside the likes of Bill Turnbull and Charlie Stayt, 63.

This was before she established a regular partnership with Dan Walker, 48, who now presents the news on 5.

In June 2021, she announced she was leaving the show after 20 years on air before making her final departure in September.

Now the star returned to daytime broadcasting on BBC One as she made an appearance on Morning Live.

Gaby Roslin, 60, and Rav Wilding, 47, introduced the star as a ‘consumer expert’.

She appeared on the main rival to ITV’s This Morning to give her take on the drop in car insurance costs.

This comes after bosses at the publicly funded corporation chose Louise to replace Angela Rippon on Rip Off Britain.

The TV personality was sat on the kitchen island alongside the likes of Dr Kiran Morjaria and gardener Mark Lane.

Gaby took to her Instagram grid page as she revelled in the company of the broadcast veteran.

She could be seen pushing Louise who swung on one of the show’s plush swivel chairs in the brightly lit studio.

She captioned the video: “Good morning everyone. Pre show shenanigans here @bbcmorninglive with @louiseminchin and we are so ready to spin around on this Friday morning.”

Before she took to the airwaves, Naga Munchetty and Charlie fronted the Friday edition of BBC Breakfast amid growing tensions.

It has previously been revealed the show’s editor Richard Frediani, has taken an extended period of leave amid claims of bullying.

Who are the current presenters of BBC Breakfast?

The flagship BBC show has had dozens of presenters during its impressive 40 years on air but the current stars are:

Jon Kay – Since 2022

Sally Nugent – Since 2021

Charlie Stayt – Since 2006

Naga Munchetty – Since 2014

Carol Kirkwood – Since 1997

Naga, 50, is said to be at the “end of her tether” with Frediani and the fractious working environment.

She was also alleged to have used a slang term for a sexual act off-air in separate damning claims.

A BBC spokesperson previously said: “While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values.

“We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.”

The fresh claims emerged as Beeb bosses urged any member of staff with concerns to raise them.

Screenshot of four people sitting at a table during a TV show.
BBC
The presenter was introduced as a ‘consumer expert’ as she now fronts Rip Off Britain[/caption]
Screenshot of four people sitting at a table on a television show.
BBC
She sat alongside various experts at the kitchen island on the set[/caption]

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Deputy Permanent Secretary Chatree Wattanakhajorn Welcomes New Bangkok Civil Servants in 2025

In the bustling heart of Thailand, Bangkok City Hall was buzzing with excitement today as it opened its doors to welcome the latest group of civil servants, handpicked for their outstanding promise and devotion to public service. These newcomers weren’t simply handed a golden ticket; they’ve earned their apprenticeships through sheer grit and determination, vying for coveted spots amidst fierce competition. Chatree Wattanakhajorn, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), took center stage at this ceremonious event, delivering an inspiring address to embolden them before they embarked on their vocational journey. “Welcome and congratulations to all of you who have been selected and appointed as Bangkok Metropolitan Administration civil servants!” Chatree proclaimed passionately within the echoing walls of the grand Rattanakosin Room in Bangkok City Hall. “Each of you has showcased your wisdom and skills, outshining many others to earn your place in the revered ranks of…

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Devastating wildfires spread in Turkey leaving two dead & forcing thousands to evacuate as city’s mayor pleads for help

AT least two people have died and thousands have been evacuated as devastating wildfires continue to rage in Turkey.

Firefighters have been battling more than 600 fires fuelled by high winds in the drought-hit nation over the past week.

Nighttime view of a forest fire.
Getty
Flames and smoke rise from burning trees while intervention continues against the fire that broke out yesterday in the forest area in Odemis district of Izmir[/caption]
Silhouette of firefighter on truck battling forest fire.
Getty
Firefighters have been battling more than 600 fires fuelled by high winds in the drought-hit nation over the past week[/caption]
A firefighter watches flames engulfing trees in a forest fire.
Getty
Flames rise from burning trees while intervention continues against the fire that broke out in the forest area in Buca district of Izmir[/caption] Map showing wildfires in Turkey and Greece.

The wildfires first erupted in tourist hotspot areas Kuyucak and Doganbey fanned overnight by winds which reached 25-30mph.

While authorities managed to gain control over some of the wildfire patches – a major fire near the resort town of Cesme – they were still battling two other wildfires.

One of them is in Buca, just south of Izmir, and another in Odemis – about 64 miles further east where an 81-year-old man died on Thursday.

“The village was evacuated but an elderly, bedridden patient could not be saved,” said Salih Uzun, a lawmaker in Izmir for the main opposition CHP party.

A forest worker in the same area died as he battled the blazes, the country’s agriculture minister Ibrahim Yumakli said on X.

Forecasters said temperatures were set to rise over the weekend and would reach around 40 degrees Celsius early next week.

The motorway connecting Izmir and Aydin to the southeast was closed because of the Buca fire, which began at 4:00 pm on Thursday and spread quickly due to the wind, CNN Turk said.

It said two people who had been cutting iron for use in construction had been arrested on suspicion of starting the fire.

In a Facebook post that has since been shared thousands of times, the Mayor of Odemis Mustafa Turan was seen desperately pleading for help.

One local said: “The magnitude and frightening dimensions of the fire are frightening the people of Odemis.”

Earlier, two other fires broke out — one in the southern resort of Antalya and the second in Istanbul’s Sultan Gazi forest.

They were quickly contained by firefighters, officials said.

Footage from Antalya showed flames raging in a forested area near a residential area in Lara, a popular tourist resort with many large hotels.

Planes were seen dumping large supplies of water over fiery infernos in order to combat the blazes.

And local residents watched in horror as their homes were torched up and forestry continued to burn.

Aftermath photos showed scorched cars and buildings while firefighters worked desperately to fight the flames.

Foreign Minister Yumakli said: “Our heroes continue their relentless struggle against the flames under the toughest conditions, day and night, with all their might.”

Burned-out car and firefighters extinguishing a fire.
The inferno tore through the coastal resort city with homes and cars torched
Smoke billowing from a wildfire over houses and trees.
Smoke billows over hills marked with charred trees

Some 122 fire engines, 74 water tankers and 84 heavy machines have been deployed alongside more than a thousand people who are desperately working to extinguish the flames, Yumakli added.

Since Friday, hundreds of fires have been reported across drought-hit Turkey, fuelled by high winds.

On Monday, more than 50,000 people were evacuated, mostly in the Izmir area but also from the southern province of Hatay, the AFAD disaster management agency said.

According to figures on the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) website, there have been 90 wildfires in Turkey so far this year that have ravaged more than 35,082 hectares (86,689 acres) of land.

The figure on Monday was nearly 15,000 hectares destroyed in 65 fires.

Turkey‘s Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said that 17 suspects linked to fires between June 26 and 28 had been detained.

But one suspect, a beekeeper according to local media, has been held for allegedly starting a fire with gasoline and is facing charges of “intentionally causing a forest fire,” the Minister added.

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Oasis tour LIVE: Eager fans line the streets & are ALREADY queuing hours before start of most-eagerly awaited gig ever

OASIS fans are descending on Cardiff and have started queuing hours ahead of the band’s hotly anticipated reunion tour.

Noel Gallagher will take to the stage tonight at the Principality Stadium with his brother Liam for the first time in 16 years.

Oasis fan holding a banner that reads "The great wait is over".
PA
An Oasis fan holds up a banner which reads “The great wait is over” in Cardiff[/caption]
Oasis fans crossing the street.
SWNS
Fans arriving near the stadium before the gig[/caption]
Two Oasis fans walking down the street, looking at their phones.
WNS
The hotly anticipated gig was an instant sell-out[/caption]
Two Oasis fans walking down the street, looking at their phones.
Jon Rowley
Many fans donned bucket hats which are heavily associated with the band[/caption]
Two women camping outside a concert venue.
MEDIA WALES
Some keen fans had been queueing since 8am[/caption]
Oasis fans walking down a Cardiff street.
PA
Oasis fans walk through the city centre ahead of the first show of the long-awaited reunion tour[/caption]

Hundreds of fans were seen milling around Cardiff in Oasis themed merchandise including t-shirts and bucket hats for one of the most eagerly awaited gigs of all time.

And some keen followers were spotted queuing outside of the stadium since the morning for the first show, which starts at 8:15pm.

Buzzing fans took pictures outside the stadium and held up scarves as the excitement continues to build.

Punters have flown in from as far as Argentina and Japan to soak up the atmosphere ahead of tonight’s historic gig.

Oasis have posted a timelapse video showing the stage being set up inside the stadium on their official social media accounts.

The track F****n’ in the Bushes is playing in the background, which is widely expected to play as the band walks onto the stage this evening.

Oasis, who clocked up over 70 million record sales worldwide after forming in Manchester in 1991, split in 2009 following a fall out between brothers Noel and Liam.

Tonight, the brothers will be joined on stage by Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Joey Waronker.

Noel and Liam have kept the set list a total secret, with rumours swirling on the internet about what the brothers will play.

Read More »

Oasis tour LIVE: Eager fans line the streets & are ALREADY queuing hours before start of most-eagerly awaited gig ever

OASIS fans have descended on Cardiff and starting queuing hours ahead of the band’s hotly anticipated reunion tour.

Noel Gallagher will take to the stage tonight at the Principality Stadium with his brother Liam for the first time in 16 years.

Oasis fan holding a banner that reads "The great wait is over".
PA
An Oasis fan holds up a banner which reads “The great wait is over” in Cardiff[/caption]
Oasis fans crossing the street.
SWNS
Fans arriving near the stadium before the gig[/caption]
Two Oasis fans walking down the street, looking at their phones.
WNS
The hotly anticipated gig was an instant sell-out[/caption]
Two Oasis fans walking down the street, looking at their phones.
Jon Rowley
Many fans donned bucket hats which are heavily associated with the band[/caption]
Two women camping outside a concert venue.
MEDIA WALES
Some keen fans had been queueing since 8am[/caption]
Oasis fans walking down a Cardiff street.
PA
Oasis fans walk through the city centre ahead of the first show of the long-awaited reunion tour[/caption]

Hundreds of fans were seen milling around Cardiff in Oasis themed merchandise including t-shirts and bucket hats for one of the most eagerly awaited gigs of all time.

And some keen followers were spotted queuing outside of the stadium since the morning for the first show, which starts at 8:15pm.

Buzzing fans took pictures outside the stadium and held up scarves as the excitement continues to build.

Punters have flown in from as far as Argentina and Japan to soak up the atmosphere ahead of tonight’s historic gig.

Oasis have posted a timelapse video showing the stage being set up inside the stadium on their official social media accounts.

The track F****n’ in the Bushes is playing in the background, which is widely expected to play as the band walks onto the stage this evening.

Oasis, who clocked up over 70 million record sales worldwide after forming in Manchester in 1991, split in 2009 following a fall out between brothers Noel and Liam.

Tonight, the brothers will be joined on stage by Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Joey Waronker.

Noel and Liam have kept the set list a total secret, with rumours swirling on the internet about what the brothers will play.

Read More »

The ‘charming’ two-bedroom cottage on Irish market for €165k and it’s minutes from busy village

A “CHARMING” cottage has hit the Irish market for €165,000 – and it’s just minutes from a busy village.

Ardkeeran in Killavil, Ballymote in Culfadda, Co. Sligo, is now on the market.

Bungalow for sale in County Sligo, Ireland.
Ardkeeran in Killavil, Ballymote in Culfadda, Co. Sligo is now on the market for €165,000
daft.ie
Living room with two reclining sofas, red pillows, and a fireplace.
The home is in immaculate condition
daft.ie
Bedroom with a bed, desk, and window.
There are two bedrooms in the home
daft.ie

The bungalow has two bedrooms and one bathroom, making it perfect for a family.

Spanning 50 square metres, it’s the perfect investment if you are looking to downsize.

And it’s just 35 minutes from Sligo town, making it the perfect holiday home.

This turnkey two-bedroom cottage is in immaculate condition, and ready for immediate occupancy.

Upon entering the home, guests are met with a large entrance porch.

The kitchen and living area is open plan and has a feature fireplace, timber flooring and a large window to allow natural light in.

The kitchen area is fully fitted, and offers a large amount of storage.

The first bedroom has timber flooring and room for a double bed.

Currently, according to the pictures on the listing, there is a desk set up in the corner of the room for work.

The second bedroom is slightly smaller, with room for a single bed and carpet flooring.

Recently all the plumbing was replaced in the house, and it was fitted with a new bathroom and electric shower.

So now, the bathroom is completely tiled and fitted with all required fixtures.

The home also has a utility area, with an enclosed back-porch.

The property benefits from a large amount of privacy as it is set back from the road up a long driveway.

The bungalow sits on a large site spanning 3-acres, which allows for a 40 square metre extension to the rear.

Also on site are three paddocks, along with two new wooden horse stables with metal gates that measure 12 ft by 12 ft.

There is ample off-street parking for multiple vehicles.

ALL REQUIRED FIXTURES

The property is fitted with oil-fired central heating and is connected to water, an electric smart meter and a septic tank.

It is fully insulated with double glazed windows and doors throughout.

The home is fitted with broadband and enjoys excellent connection, as there are plans for fibre to be fitted later this year.

The property is perfect for those looking for country living while still being close to nearby towns.

Both Ballymote and Gorteen are just a 10 minute drive away.

It is close to a number of bigger towns, as Sligo is just 35 minutes by car.

Boyle and Bundoran are also within driving distance.

But closer to the home, there are a number of shops, schools and everyday amenities.

Sligo’s most scenic beaches are also a short drive away, including Rosses Point, Strandhill and Streedagh beach.

Bathroom with shower, toilet, and rug.
The bathroom has recently been upgraded
daft.ie
Bungalow for sale in County Sligo, Ireland.
The home sits on a site spanning 3-acres
daft.ie
Two-stall horse shelter with black tarp dividers.
There are two new wooden horse stables with metal gates
daft.ie

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Tyson Fury’s latest comeback antics is all part of a Netflix script to lead up to Anthony Joshua fight… claims insider

TYSON FURY’S latest antics are all part of a Netflix script leading up to the Anthony Joshua showdown – according to their shared bestie Derek Chisora.

The 41-year-old Zimbabwe-Brit has shared the ring three times with the Gypsy King and become a pal to the giant reality TV star.

The Fury family posing for a portrait.
Courtesy of Netflix
At Home with the Furys aired on Netflix[/caption]
Anthony Joshua at a boxing match ringside.
Getty
Anthony Joshua remains linked with fighting Fury[/caption]

He is also a long-time Finchley ABC mentor to our 35-year-old London 2012 legend and so has never chased that big-money AJ fight.

Chisora – the veteran warhorse who somehow stays friends with everyone in the bleeding business – knows the British fight game inside out.

And he reckons 36-year-old Fury’s shock December retirement – and everything up until Thursday’s claim he has secured an April trilogy with Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley – are all little streaming episodes leading up to the overdue biggest fight in British boxing history.

At the IBA show in Turkey – where Del Boy even spent a second on Fury’s LAP at ringside – he told SunSport: “Whatever you think is happening, is not happening, because something big is happening soon.

“Watch this space – something big is happening soon. It’s a great story.

“He announced on the biggest platform that he’s retiring. That blows up the internet with a shock retirement announcement from his car.

“It creates the build-up, it’s entertainment, that’s the whole point.

“When I saw the cameras around Tyson, I knew he was coming back, he’s definitely coming back and this is a good selling point.

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua boxing stats comparison.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

“AJ cannot retire without fighting Tyson and Tyson cannot retire without fighting AJ.”

Chisora has been like a big brother to Joshua and he’s seriously protective of his fellow North Londoner.

He wrongly suggests all of the British boxing media has spent time pulling him down off of the pedestal we created on the back of his amateur and pro heroics.

But he admits that his mate is wounded by over-the-top criticism, often done only for clicks.

He said: “What upsets AJ is that he has done so much for British boxing but the reporters – and people who talk about him – always put him down.

When SunSport passionately denies the charge, he adds: “He won a gold medal and drove up interest in the sport and created pay-per-view madness for everyone but nobody ever says ‘congratulations and thank you’.

“The guy has come from nothing and made something of himself.

“I feel bad for him because he just wants to enjoy what he has and boxing but people behind a keyboard try to kill him.

“This is why he just keeps quiet and stays in his own lane. He just wants to be happy.”

Tyson Fury and Derek Chisora ringside at a boxing match.
Getty
Fury fought and beat Derek Chisora three times[/caption]
Anthony Joshua and Derek Chisora at a press conference.
Joshua and Chisora are long-time pals
Rex

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Irish Olympics hero Daniel Wiffen and twin Nathan mark huge life milestone as parents share ‘pride’

DANIEL and Nathan Wiffen graduated from Loughborough University on Thursday with degrees in computer science.

It’s an amazing feat given the extensive daily training they’ve had to complete throughout their four years at the Leicestershire college.

Two identical twins in tuxedos.
@jwwrok
Dad Jonathan shared this pic from their graduation day[/caption]
20 July 2024; Daniel Wiffen during a Team Ireland Paris 2024 Aquatics team training session at the National Aquatic Centre on the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Daniel and Nathan will turn 24 on July 14
12 August 2024; Team Ireland member Daniel Wiffen is welcomed by supporters on O'Connell Street in Dublin, celebrating their remarkable achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Photo by Piaras O Midheach/Sportsfile
Daniel came home with a gold and bronze medal from the Paris Olympics

So it was understandable that dad Jonathan posted a message beaming with pride at his two high-achieving sons.

He tweeted: “These two keep us on our toes, but today is a very proud moment, when they have both graduated from Loughborough University in computer science. Congrats!”

Now that he has college out of the way, 800m freestyle Olympic champion is moving home to Northern Ireland where he will begin working under a new trainer.

While sharing this update around his swim career he insisted that it was a mutual decision between himself and long-time college coach Andi Manley.

Manley told him he needed the change now to achieve his goal of becoming a treble gold medal winner at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Wiffen said: “I am moving out of my house in Loughborough, so I’m definitely moving back to Ireland as my main training base.

“I will be doing stints in America. The Olympics are going to be there so you have to get ready for that way of life and time zone.

“Nathan is going to be there. You can only stay so far away from your twin you were born three minutes before so that’s what I’m going to do. I’ll be moving coach and it’s going to be hard.

“I only decided four weeks ago that I was going to be leaving Loughborough. It was maybe two weeks ago when we had the conversation.

“We’re really good friends and we chat all the time. He wants what’s best for me. He’s not a selfish coach and he’s not going to tell me to stay just for his own benefit.

“He thinks it’s beneficial for my career, that I need a new start because being in a university programme, you get 18-year-olds, 17-year-olds coming in every year who are a lot lower level than what I am at this point in my career.

“You want to strive to be better than the people . . . you want to train with somebody better than you though it’s hard to train with somebody better than an Olympic gold medallist.

“It’s trying to progress in other areas. A university programme probably isn’t the best place for me at this point in my career.”

LOFTIER TARGETS

Wiffen is unsure who will coach him but is happy to return to his Armagh base and work from there with support from Swim Ireland.

But having won over fans last year when he declared he would win an Olympic gold medal in Paris and then achieved the feat, he has even loftier goals for LA 2028.

He outlined: “The end goal is three gold medals at LA. I’m just training away and refining the skills right now.

“And then at the start of July I’m leaving for Malaysia for our pre-camp before the World Championships in Singapore in August.

“I’ve been told a couple of times by different world champions that the hardest world championships to win is the one after winning the Olympics.

“I’m up for the challenge. Obviously my goal is to stay undefeated in the 800 metres. I haven’t lost in the 800m freestyle since 2023.

“For me that’s the goal — just to keep undefeated and win another gold medal and then hopefully add that 400m and try to challenge it a bit more, and then for the 1500m.

“It’s to try and progress from that bronze medal and win the gold I won in Doha before.

“I would say we’re aiming for three gold medals. The 400m is maybe a bit of a stretch because it’s a new event, but definitely two.”

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