Double Trouble. Meet the Wiffen Twins.

Like Liam and Noel, the Wiffen brothers are becoming a household name in the UK & Ireland. Funky Trunks F-Teamers Daniel and Nathan Wiffen are nipping at the heels of the world’s best in the men’s middle and long distance freestyle events, and adding to Ireland’s growing reputation as a swimming nation.

Born just 3-minutes apart, the identical twins are known for putting on a show not only in the pool but everywhere they go. “The Wifs” are almost impossible to tell apart for even some of those closest to home. “Being a Wiffen is fun. People would often come to watch us race at our home meets because we would stare each other out in the blocks before races,” Nathan said.

All fun and games aside, the lads are constantly working to improve their swimming in order to fulfill their dreams. Both based out of Loughborough University, a lot of their time is spent watching movies or the NBA, but ultimately their primary focus is to swim for Ireland at the highest level.

“We are both very competitive and it’s always a race to see how high the other can set the standard,” Daniel said. Although both are very modest, Daniel was the first to set the highest standard of all, becoming an Olympian at the Tokyo Games. “My goal for this season is to recreate my performances at the Short Course World Champs, and to make the FINA Long Course World Champs team too. I also want to medal at Comm Games.”

“It’s great having a twin that is also up there as one of Ireland’s best. It works well that we swim similar but different events.” Daniel prioritises the 800/1500 free, while Nathan’s focus lies in the 200 back, in addition to the 200/400/800 free. Although they have swum almost their entire life, they’ve both only been swimming competitively for 8 years but they are no strangers to the big meets, nor will they back down from any duel in the pool.

They have their very own YouTube channel called the Wiffen Twins and would once play staple Irish sports such as Gaelic and hurling. Like true brothers they are there for each other when it really counts, as they live together and share the home chore responsibilities depending on their alternating training schedules.

Banter and fierce competition are two things that spring to mind when one thinks of the Wifs. With the world at their feet and Ireland on their side, the F-Team has their back too and we are excited to see their continued progress and success as we head towards Paris 2024.