David Popovici Closes Out Superb Summer With Another Swift Time in 100 Freestyle At World Juniors

David Popovici European Jnrs

David Popovici Closes Out Superb Summer With Another Swift Time in 100 Freestyle At World Juniors

A sensational summer came to a close for David Popovici on Sunday night, and it wrapped up in style at the World Junior Championships. Racing in the final of the 100-meter freestyle, the 17-year-old Romanian made a run at his own world record, ultimately touching the wall in 47.13. That showing is tied for the fourth-fastest of the youngster’s career.

In the last race of his junior-level days, Popovici went out in 22.86 and came home in swift fashion, which is the trademark of the teen. Popovici covered the second lap in 24.27 as he recorded a convincing triumph over silver medalist Jere Hribar of Croatia, who was timed in 49.37. The bronze medal went to Cyprus’ Nikolas Antoniou in 49.91.

Popovici’s performance marked his 16th sub-48 outing of the summer campaign, an extraordinary total that speaks to both his significant talent and supreme consistency. Since June, Popovici has achieved the following:

• A world record of 46.86 in the 100 freestyle, an effort that took down the 13-year-old standard of 46.91, set by Brazilian Cesar Cielo at the 2009 World Championships.
• He posted the third-fastest time in history in the 200 freestyle, a mark of 1:42.97. Only Paul Biedermann (1:42.00) and Michael Phelps (1:42.96) have been faster.
• At the World Championships in Budapest, Popovici claimed gold medals in the 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle. He matched that showing at the European Championships in Rome.
• At the European Junior Championships, Popovici secured crowns in the 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle and added a title in the 50 freestyle.
• Between June and early September, Popovici notched xx performances in the 100 freestyle that were quicker than 47.50.

With four major competitions in a three-month span, Popovici demonstrated impressive endurance during the summer – both physically and mentally. While obviously talented from a physical standpoint, Popovici has stood out from an emotional and maturity standpoint. He has deftly handled his emergence as the most-watched athlete in the sport and the vast expectations he faces with each race.

Meet Results

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x