Unique Territory: How David Popovici Has Made Going Sub-48 A Routine Affair

Unique Territory: How David Popovici Has Made Going Sub-48 A Routine Affair

Remember when clocking a sub-48 performance in the 100-meter freestyle was a monumental feat? Ok, the feat is still considered a visit into special territory…except for David Popovici. For the 18-year-old Romanian, something in the 47-second range has become commonplace, evidenced by his most-recent 47-something effort.

Last weekend, Popovici logged the latest sub-48 marker of his career, a 47.85 effort at the Romanian Cup. Popovici was not in peak form at the meet. There was no need to be, not with the World Champs scheduled for Fukuoka next month. Nonetheless, the teenage phenom packaged a sterling mark, the latest proof that we are witnessing the rise of a special talent. The fact that he has 21 sub-48 markers to his credit – at just 18 – is downright mesmerizing. The truth is, there are many more to come…along with additional ventures into the 46-second realm.

Behind a stroke that is a work of art, Popovici possesses closing speed that is unmatched. But he also maintains plenty of early speed to get out with the best starters, and rather than play a game of catchup down the stretch, Popovici plays a game of pull away.

So, as the Trials season continues to heat up, keep an eye on what it takes to win various national titles in the 100 freestyle. Will it be faster than 47.61? Whether the answer is yes or no, remember that Popovici’s latest 47-point was casual and that ease is what makes his exploits that much more stunning.

Here is a list of the 21 occasions in which David Popovici has cracked the 48-second barrier in the 100 freestyle:

46.86 (Euros-2022)
46.98 (Euros-2022)
47.07 (WorldJuniors-2022)
47.13 (Worlds-2022)
47.13 (WorldJuniors-2022)
47.20 (Euros-2022)
47.23 (WorldJuniors-2022)
47.30 (EuroJuniors-2021)
47.34 (EuroJuniors-2022)
47.37 (WorldJuniors-2022)
47.54 (EuroJuniors-2022)
47.56 (EuroJuniors-2021)
47.58 (Worlds-2022)
47.60 (Worlds-2022)
47.61 (WorldJuniors-2022)
47.61 (RomanianChamps-2023)
47.69 (EuroJuniors-2022)
47.72 (Olympics-2021)
47.76 (EuroJuniors-2022)
47.85 (Euros-2022)
47.85 (RomanianCup-2023)

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