Daniel Wiffen receives a hero's welcome home

Two-time Olympic medallist swimmer Daniel Wiffen meets Conor, 8, and Matthew, 6, from Stevenson, during his homecoming event in Magheralin. The boys are posing with Daniel's medals which are hanging around his neck. There is a balloon arch in the background.PA Media

Conor, eight, and Matthew, six, got their hands on Daniel Wiffin's medals

The village of Magheralin has welcomed home gold medal-winning Olympian Daniel Wiffen.

Wiffen made history in Paris becoming the first Northern Ireland athlete to win an individual gold medal since 1972.

The 23-year-old swimmer won gold in the 800m freestyle and bronze in the 1500m freestyle.

Wiffen told BBC News NI it seemed half the village had turned out to see him and that was "pretty cool".

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Hundreds of people turned out to welcome the Olympian home

"Everything’s kind of sinking in and I’m ready to celebrate tonight," he said.

He said he had lost count of the number of selfies he had taken in the last two weeks.

"Yesterday in Dublin was crazy and then it's going to be a lot nicer because I know nearly everybody in the village," he added.

Thousands of people turned out in Dublin for the Ireland team's homecoming on Monday.

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Daniel Wiffen also met Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and DUP councillor for Lurgan Peter Haire

'Starting swimming lessons'

By Catherine Morrison, BBC News NI in Magheralin

Hundreds of people have turned out to welcome Daniel Wiffen home.

There’s a long line of old neighbours, friends and family here to meet Daniel, and take a selfie with him.

Balloons and pictures of the Olympian adorn the railings of the church in this small County Down village, which is so proud of his achievements.

Children have come along with homemade medals to show him.

Many are already talking about starting swimming lessons, inspired by his success.

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Daniel Wiffen won gold in the 800m freestyle and bronze in the 1500m freestyle in Paris

Team Ireland won seven medals including four golds - its most successful performance in the Olympics.

Wiffen had been unwell since a marathon swim in the River Seine, but he said he had recovered well.

"I actually feel pretty fit now to be honest," he said.

"The doctors were very good, set me up well, so I was only in a bad state for a day or so.

"I’m still not able to take any of the partying that I said I was going to do after my race, but I’m sure there’s enough time for that.

"Tonight is all about celebrating with all my friends and family in the whole village."

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