The race was billed as a battle between Ulster’s two Olympic gold medallists, with McMillan swimming for Great Britain and Wiffen representing Ireland.

Reigning champion Wiffen was considered the favourite to retain his title, but Bangor Swimming Club star McMillan won with a time of 3:36.33 in Lublin.

Wiffen was forced to settle for bronze, setting a time of 3:37.02 with Germany’s Lukas Martens splitting the two northern athletes to win silver. McMillan’s Team GB teammate Duncan Scott finished seventh.

Earlier in the day, Wiffen finished fastest across all seven heats in a time of 3:37.04 while McMillan was second fastest with 3:37.57.

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