​David Popovici qualified for the 100m freestyle final at the World Short Course Swimming Championships (25m) in Melbourne. At the end of the test, our athlete talked about his biggest critic.

David Popovich, the biggest critic of… David Popovich

David was surprised to break another record (this time among juniors) and then talked about, among other things, his biggest whistleblower.

“I didn’t think I’d break more junior records this year, but I think I did, so that was a nice surprise.

I didn’t think I would swim this fast, but sometimes I can doubt myself. I consider myself the worst critic.

I’m still learning and I’ll learn something more in the final. I swam well, but kind of against my will because I still hate the short pool.

I have some adjusting to do, but things are looking good.

Now I’m studying and I just came from class. Tomorrow, in the finals, I will go to class again.” Davyd Popovychquoted by swimmingworldmagazine.com.

Know:

Despite the fact that he has already turned 18 years old, the results obtained this year are also counted among juniors (45.91 seconds – junior record).

After qualifying with the 4th time in the semi-final phase, the CS Dinamo Bucharest-registered athlete finished second in his semi-final (45.91 seconds), behind only France’s Maxime Grusse (45.58 seconds). During this time, Popovichi also set a new world record among juniors.

The other semi-final was won by Jordan Crooks (45.55 seconds), followed by Kyle Chalmers (45.66 seconds).

David Popovici reached the final with the 5th time (4th time in Alessandra Miressi – 45.74 seconds).

The final will take place on Thursday, December 15, from 10:42.

Romanian athletes have registered for the WC in short-course swimming

• David Popovich – coach Adrian Redulescu / 100 m, 200 m and 400 m freestyle.

• Robert Glinza – coach Luca Gabrillo / 50 m, 100 m, 200 m backstroke and 100 m freestyle.

• Andrii Angel – coach Marius Grigore / 50 m backstroke and 50 m butterfly.

What you need to know about WC from swimming in short water

The competition in Melbourne will run from December 13 to 18 and has a total prize pool of $2.160 million.

Each athlete who sets a world record (if it happens, of course) will receive a bonus of $25,000.

How will athletes be awarded?

1st place – $10,000

2nd place – $8,000

3rd place – $7,000

4th place – $6,000

5th place – $5,000

6th place – $4,000

7th place – $3000

8th place – $2000.

You may also be interested in:

• Reasons why David Popovich did not go to offers from the USA

• David Popovich and the improvements he needs to make to become the greatest swimmer of all time

• David Popovich’s obsession: “I want to reach this status as soon as possible”