The village of Magheralin has welcomed Olympic gold medalist Daniel Wiffen home.

Wiffen made history in Paris when he became the first Northern Irish athlete wins individual gold medal since 1972.

The 23-year-old swimmer won gold in the 800 m freestyle and bronze in the 1500 m freestyle.

Wiffen told BBC News NI it seemed like half the village came to see him and it was “pretty cool”.

“I’m slowly processing everything and am ready to celebrate tonight,” he said.

He said he had lost track of the number of selfies he had taken in the last two weeks.

“Yesterday in Dublin it was crazy, but after that it will be much nicer because I know almost everyone in the village,” he added.

Thousands of people came to Dublin for the return of the Irish team on Monday.

By Catherine Morrison, BBC News NI in Magheralin

Hundreds of people came to welcome Daniel Wiffen home.

A long line of old neighbors, friends and family members are here to meet Daniel and take a selfie with him.

Balloons and pictures of the Olympian decorate the railings of the church in this small County Down village that is so proud of its achievements.

Children came along and brought homemade medals to show him.

Inspired by his success, many are already talking about starting swimming lessons.

The Irish team won seven medals, including four gold, making it their most successful performance at the Olympic Games.

Wiffen had not been feeling well since a marathon swim in the Seine, but he said he had recovered well.

“To be honest, I actually feel pretty fit now,” he said.

“The doctors were very good and took good care of me, so I was only ill for about a day.

“I’m still not able to endure the party I wanted to have after the race, but I’m sure there’s still time for that.

“Tonight is about celebrating with all my friends and family across the village.”