David Popovici Viewing World Short Course Champs As Learning Opportunity; Eager to Duel With Kyle Chalmers

A Special Thanks to Deep Blue Media for providing the images from this meet

David Popovici Viewing World Short Course Champs As Learning Opportunity; Eager to Duel With Kyle Chalmers

Regardless of what transpires at this week’s FINA World Short Course Championships, it has been a banner year for David Popovici. In the span of 12 months, the Romanian teenager has morphed from a rising talent with an immense upside into one of the brightest stars in the sport. That identity was earned through the collection of a pair of world titles, and the establishment of a world record in the 100-meter freestyle.

Now, Popovici is ready to put his talents on display in Melbourne, which will serve as the host of this week’s small-pool World Champs. And because he has a mentality and maturity equal to his skills in the water, Popovici is taking a tempered approach to Worlds. Sure, he’s eager to chase some elite performances. But more than anything, the 18-year-old is looking at the competition as a learning opportunity.

“I don’t like short course that much,” Popovici said during a pre-meet press conference. “I am built for long course, but this is a great opportunity for me to gather a lot of information, gain some experience and be the best version I can be. I want to take everything I learn, the turns and the starts which are more intense here, and transform it into long-course information, which I like more.”

The way Popovici operates is unique, in that he appreciates the mental side of the sport as much as he does the physical side. He is a savant of sorts, an athlete who craves data and, along with coach Adrian Radulescu, enjoys the growth process. By the time action concludes in Melbourne, Popovici will have additional information to take back to his lab.

At the same time, Popovici is a champion and excels on the biggest of stages. So, when he climbs the blocks at the World Champs, he’ll undoubtedly put forth efforts that will challenge for the podium. He’s too talented for any other scenario to unfold. Whether he can battle Aussie Kyle Chalmers for the title in the 100 freestyle will be determined shortly.

If nothing else, Popovici is looking forward to his duels with Chalmers, the 2016 Olympic champion in the 100 freestyle and the world-record holder in the short-course version of the 100 freestyle. With the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris rapidly approaching, Popovici is respectfully keen to build up a rivalry with the Australian standout.

“Sure, there is a rivalry between me and Kyle Chalmers,” Popovici said. “For now, I believe that it is only in long course but that’s why I am here. I want to learn, and I want to be better at short course as well. In the following years, I want to be able to race against him head-to-head in short course. He has the world record in short course, and I am the world record holder in long course, so in a few years’ time, I think we can race on both planes. For now, my goal is qualifying for the final and as we all know that once you have a lane, you a chance. That’s my mentality for this competition.”

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Carmen Simionescu

1 year ago

I am sure that the talent, ambition and effort put into training will be the assets with wich David will build the best version on himself în this competition!