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.
