NANTERRE, FRANCE (AP) — The University of Florida (UF) swimmers competing in the Olympics in France will be bringing home some souvenirs from the Summer Games.

Gator Bobby Finke came up short in defense of his Olympic title in the men’s 800 freestyle. He finished second behind Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen.

Wiffen won in 7 minutes, 38.19 seconds. Finke came on strong late to take the silver in 7:38.75.

“I’d be lying If I said I wasn’t disappointed,” Finke said. “I was the first loser. It always stings to not be able to defend your title.”

Gold medalist Daniel Wiffen, center, of Ireland, poses for a photo on the podium with silver medalist Bobby Finke, of the United States, left, and bronze medalist Gregorio Paltrinieri, of Italy, following the men’s 800-meter freestyle final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Nanterre, France. Courtesy: AP Photo/Ashley Landis
The University of Florida’s Bobby Finke poses for a photo after the men’s 800-meter freestyle final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Nanterre, France. Courtesy: AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Bobby Finke, of the United States, prepares to start in his heat of the men’s 800-meter freestyle at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Nanterre, France. Courtesy: AP Photo/Matthias Schrader

A Gator was also on the second-place American team competing in the men’s 4×200 freestyle event. They placed behind the British men who defended their title.


UF’s Kieran Smith joined Luke Hobson, Carson Foster, and Drew Kibler for the silver. Team USA gained a bit of redemption with that silver medal, making up for a disappointing fourth-place showing at the last Olympics in Tokyo.

“We are always rooting for gold,” said Drew Kibler, a member of the U.S. relay team. “That is the American standard.”

The U.S. still has plenty of chances to add to its medal haul over the final five days of swimming.

 

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To date, UF athletes have racked up four medals during the Summer Games in France.