Olympic gold medallist 'rushed to hospital' after missing Paris Games closing ceremony

An Olympic gold medalist was rushed to hospital hours before he was due to take part in the closing ceremony.

On Sunday night, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games came to a spectacular close at the Stade de France with a star-studded closing ceremony.

The likes of Tom Cruise, Snoop Dogg, Billie Eilish and Red Hot Chilli Peppers were all involved as Paris handed over to Los Angeles ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

However, one gold medalist was forced to miss the ceremony after he was rushed to hospital with an illness.

Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen, who was scheduled to carry the flag for his country after winning two medals, wrote on social media: “Thanks everyone who reached out, I’m incredibly disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to be flag bearer last night.

“Yesterday I rushed to hospital as I was very unwell with a bug that I am being treated for, and am feeling better now. I hope everyone enjoys the evening and I hope to be well enough to seeing everyone when we get home.”

It is currently unclear what caused Wiffen’s illness.

Earlier last week, Wiffen was one of many swimmers who took part in the open water event, which was held on the River Seine.

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The River Seine’s water quality has been one of the most talked about subjects of the Paris Olympics after the triathlon events were delayed due to the pollution levels.

Speaking after the open water swim, Wiffen said: “In the pool it is easy when there are eight people in a final, and there are about 30 people in it here.

“I was about two minutes down from the front of the pack. I was like 'do I really want to finish?', but I needed to finish it and I'm glad to say I'm an Olympic open-water swimmer.”

He added: “A lot of people would say it's the worst race they've ever done, in terms of the currents. So for my first one to be the hardest and I came 18th, I'm very happy.

“I'm Olympic champion, Olympic bronze medallist and placed 18th in the open water. I'm the only double medallist [for Team Ireland], so it's kind of cool. I'll maybe put it out there that I'm hopefully carrying the flag. We don't know yet but that's what I want.”