Irish Swimmer Who Won Gold at Paris Olympics Previously Appeared in PivotalGame of ThronesEpisode

Mar. 15, 2025

Daniel Wiffen on Aug. 4, 2024.Photo:Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty

Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty

The 23-year-old swimmer revealed that he and his twin brother, Nathan, were extras onGame of Thrones— and that the two appeared in the pivotal “Red Wedding” scene during season three of the HBO series.

“I didn’t really know aboutGame of Throneswhen I was younger,” Wiffen toldOlympics.comin 2022. “My parents wouldn’t really let me watch it, but I guess my dad watched it all the time, and then my sister got a really good role inGame of Thrones— she was one of the Frey daughters [Neyela Frey, granddaughter of Lord Walder Frey].

He added, “So she came in and did her bit and then we came in for the Red Wedding, in the background — which was pretty cool.”

Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark in ‘Game of Thrones’.HBO

HBO

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With his gold medal win, Wiffen became the first athlete from Northern Ireland to win a gold medal in 36 years.

Daniel Wiffen on Aug. 4, 2024.David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty

David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty

“To be honest, the 800m surprised me at the start of the week,” he toldBBC Sport. “Coming into this race I was ready. I completely was in the right shape to go a lot faster than the world record but that’s just swimming — some days you have it, some days you don’t.”

While Wiffen said he had “higher aspirations” for the men’s 1500m final, he is still proud of his performance in both events.

“If you’d told me I’d get a bronze medal at the start of the week, I’d be over the moon.” he continued.  Now I’m coming away with gold and a bronze, it’s kind of special.”

For Wiffen’s final Olympic event, he will be swimming in the men’s open water 10k final on Friday, Aug. 9.

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source: people.com