EXPECT
GREAT THINGS! David Popovici just turned 17 years old, but the Romanian sprint freestyler appears poised to follow a path to prominence. BY JOHN LOHN
L
et’s play a game. It’s 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. On this particular summer night, a 19-year-old stands behind the starting blocks, awaiting the start >> Most of the athletes at the European Junior Championships in early July viewed the competition as their of the final of the 100 meter freestyle. The past two primary competition of the year. For Popovici, the meet was a tuneup for the Olympics, as he claimed titles in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyles with times of 22.22, 47.30 and 1:45.95. His 100 free was a world junior record and vaulted Olympic champions in the event, American Caeleb him to No. 1 in the world entering the Olympics. [ Photo Courtesy: Giorgio Scala / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto ] Dressel and Australian Kyle Chalmers, are also preparing themselves for the battle ahead. A world Then again, the great ones tend to disrupt the norm, and Popovici record might be necessary for gold. certainly has the skill set—physically and mentally—to etch a The aforementioned teenager is calm. He doesn’t get rattled. special career. And watching it develop is going to be a whole lot But he also recognizes the enormity of the moment, and how it of fun. could define his career. Having been an international factor for several years, including at the 2022 and 2023 editions of the World COMING-OUT PARTY Championships, being crowned Olympic champion is the target. Most of the athletes at the European Junior Championships, Will David Popovici get the job done? The future will provide held in early July in Rome, viewed the competition as their primary that answer. competition of the year. For Popovici, the meet was a tuneup for the What is known is this: As we shift our attention from the Tokyo Olympics, an opportunity to set the groundwork for Tokyo. Over Olympics to the Paris Games, Popovici is a major figure in the sport, a six-day stretch, Popovici certainly made his name known—and his impact just beginning to be felt. As the years tick away toward generated significant momentum for his Games debut. the 33rd Olympiad, expect his influence to grow—even if the details Racing at the famed Foro Italico, Popovici claimed European of his tale are somewhat unusual. junior crowns in the 50 freestyle (22.22), 100 free (47.30) and 200 The truth is, Popovici’s presence as an elite performer doesn’t free (1:45.95). It was the middle distance in which Popovici shined make sense. Well, that assessment might be a little strong. Still, brightest, as his winning mark not only established a world junior seeing him rank among the elite freestylers on the planet—and on record, but vaulted him to No. 1 in the world entering the Olympics. track for greatness—is startling for a couple of reasons: That quickly, Popovici transformed from an intriguing prospect to a legitimate medal contender on the biggest stage in the sport. • Popovici hails from a country without a rich track record of The way Popovici managed his junior-record swim was stunning, success in the sport. While Romania has produced a handful of as he went out in 22.97 and came home in an eye-popping 24.33. female Olympic medalists, Razvan Florea is the only man from Around the sport, athletes, coaches and fans were mesmerized by the his country to stand on an Olympic podium. Florea accomplished Romanian youngster’s closing speed—as good as ever seen in the the feat at the 2004 Games in Athens with a bronze medal in the event. Eventually, that finishing power is likely to be complemented 200 back. by early speed, the combination leaving Popovici as a major threat • The kid just turned 17 years old in mid-September. Despite the to the likes of Dressel and Chalmers...and the 47-second barrier. presence of Michael Phelps and Ian Thorpe as teen prodigies, “I think there are layers to him,” said two-time Australian it is rare for a male that young to emerge as a global force— Olympian Brett Hawke, who has interviewed Popovici several times especially in a power event such as the 100 freestyle. Typically, on his podcast. “I think the first thing that has to be there is a freaky success comes later, when muscle has been enhanced. gift, and he has a gift. He has a physique like a young basketball player. 24
OCTOBER 2021
SWIMMINGWORLD.COM
