David Popovici Clocks No. 9 Time in History in 100 Freestyle at World Junior Championships; Leads Romania to Relay Crown

David Popovici Clocks No. 9 Time in History in 100 Freestyle at World Junior Championships; Leads Romania to Relay Crown

Just weeks after he established a world record in the 100-meter freestyle at the European Championships, David Popovici continued to excel at the World Junior Championships. Leading off the Romanian 400 freestyle relay, Popovici posted a time of 47.07, which is the ninth-fastest performance of all-time. The effort helped Romanian earn the gold medal in the meet’s opening relay, with the country clocking in at 3:18.84. Popovici was joined by Alexandru Constantinescu, Stefan Cozma and Patrick Dinu.

With his time, Popovici now owns three of the top-nine times in history, highlighted by his world record of 46.86 from Rome. At the World Junior Champs, Popovici is scheduled to contest the 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle on an individual basis, and given his 47-flat effort in relay action, a run at his world record is not out of the question. In his leadoff leg, Popovici was out in 22.72 and came home in 24.35.

Popovici has attracted the attention of his country over the past few months, beginning with his pair of titles at the World Championships in Budapest and followed by his world record. The fact that Romania won gold at the World Juniors is likely just the start of an upward trajectory for the nation, as Popovici figures to attract youngsters to the sport.

The latest eye-opening swim from Popovici was the 16th of his career that was sub-48, including his 13th of the 2022 campaign. He has been sub-47 on two occasions, his world record and a 46.98 showing that was also produced at the European Champs.

Day One Finals

Day One Finals Results

Meet Results

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