The European Short Course Championships start in Otopeni on Tuesday and David Popovici spoke about the importance of the competition and the pressure he feels before the competition.

David Popovici considers the CHE in swimming a big step towards the Olympic Games

Two-time European champion in the distances of 100 and 200 m freestyle David Popovich spoke before the European swimming championship in Otopeni, which will be held from December 5 to 10 at a short distance (25 m).

“This is a very important competition for me, I prefer to swim in the long pool, but this is a very important step. This is a big step in preparation for the Olympic Games, because it is an opportunity to practice turns, starts, because everything happens very quickly. It’s getting more exciting, so I’m glad we’re here.

First of all, I want to wish good luck to my colleagues and good luck to all the participants, because we are here to have a good time and I think we should not take ourselves too seriously.

There is definitely pressure, but the only thing I have to do is ignore it and be careful what pressure I put on myself now, because I think I shouldn’t forget why I started doing this sport, why I continue him . Because I like it, because I love it, because I really want to inspire others, and if I take myself too seriously, if I put too much pressure on myself, if I listen to everyone’s opinions, I think I will lose that passion and I don’t want that, I don’t think anyone wants that.

I can’t wait to see the young fans in the stands, as many Romanians in the stands as possible, and I’m sure they will. I hear some days are sold out and that’s great. I try not to get stressed like other athletes, but stress is a part of it, I think it’s better to assume it, work with it, not ignore it.

Yes, it will be stressful, there will be a lot of expectations, a lot of pressure, a lot of fans, a lot of noise, but I think we have a responsibility, especially at home, to do our best as much as possible and take care of the audience, so we wish everyone good luck and like my coach used to say let’s have a good time” – said David Popovichireports Agerpres.

David Popovich’s program for CE Swimming in a short pool with Otopeni

December 8: 200m freestyle and semi-finals

December 9: 100m freestyle swims and semi-finals / 200m freestyle final

December 10: 100 m freestyle final.

Romania will host the 22nd European Junior Short Course Championships from 5 to 10 December 2023 at the Otopeni Swimming Sports Complex.

Romania Party for CE Swimming in a short pool from Otopeni

WOMAN: Diana Stiger, Ioana Styrbu, Issia Prisekariu, Brigitta Wass, Maisa Ratsiou, Anastasia Bako, Daria Silishtianu

MAN: David Popovichi, Vlad Stancu, Andrey Angel, Patrick Dinu, Darius Koman, Robert Badea, Denis Popescu, Andrey Ungur, Mihai Gergeli, Daniel Nikusan, Vlad Mihalace, Andrey Proka, Nandor Nagy, Aleksandra Stoyka