{"id":489361,"date":"2021-10-12T04:41:09","date_gmt":"2021-10-12T11:41:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=489361"},"modified":"2021-10-12T04:41:09","modified_gmt":"2021-10-12T11:41:09","slug":"david-popovici-the-boy-who-might-be-king-full-article","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/david-popovici-the-boy-who-might-be-king-full-article\/","title":{"rendered":"David Popovici: The Boy Who Might Be King (Full Article)"},"content":{"rendered":"

David Popovici: The Boy Who Might Be King (Full Article)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s play a game. It\u2019s the 2024 Olympic Games, the French capital of Paris serving as the focal point of the sporting world. Three years after the COVID-19 pandemic forced a spectator-free Games in Tokyo, boisterous fans have returned to the venues. Fittingly, in the shadow of the Louvre, masterpieces have been crafted across a variety of events.<\/p>\n

On this particular summer night, a 19-year-old stands behind the starting blocks, awaiting the start of the final of the 100-meter freestyle. The past two Olympic champions in the event, American Caeleb Dressel<\/strong> and Australian Kyle Chalmers<\/strong>, are also preparing themselves for the battle ahead. A world record might be necessary for gold.<\/p>\n

The aforementioned teenager is calm. He doesn\u2019t get rattled. But he also recognizes the enormity of the moment, and how it could define his career. Having been an international factor for several years, including at the 2022 and 2023 editions of the World Championships, being crowned Olympic champion is the target.<\/p>\n

Will David Popovici<\/strong> get the job done? The future will provide that answer.<\/p>\n

What is known is this: As we shift our attention from the Tokyo Olympics to the Paris Games, Popovici is a major figure in the sport, his impact just beginning to be felt. As the years tick away toward the 33rd Olympiad, expect his influence to grow \u2013 even if the details of his tale are somewhat unusual.<\/p>\n

\"David

David Popovici: Photo Courtesy: deepbluemedia<\/p><\/div>\n

The truth is, Popovici\u2019s presence as an elite performer doesn\u2019t make sense. Well, that assessment might be a little strong. Still, seeing him rank among the elite freestylers on the planet \u2013 and on track for greatness \u2013 is startling for a couple of reasons.<\/p>\n