David Popovici broke Cesar Cielo Filho’s record in the 100m freestyle at the European Swimming Championships in Rome on Saturday. The Brazilian swimmer sent a special message to the young Romanian athlete.

David Popovici won the gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle at the European Senior Swimming Championships in Rome, and also set a new world record in this race (46.86).​

The Romanian swimmer was followed by Christoph Milak (47.47) and Alessandro Miressi (47.63).

Davyd Popovichi will also compete at the European Swimming Championships in Rome in the 200m freestyle, 400m freestyle and 4x100m freestyle relay.

What message did Cesar Cielo Filho send to David Popovich after his sensational performance at CE Natacie

“I knew this day would come… And it has come! My 100m freestyle world record was broken 13 years later! Congratulations, Popovich!

This is what high-achievement sport means, constant development. I’m glad I held this huge record for so many years!

Now is your time! You deserve it and deserve it! There’s a new fastest man in the world in the 100m freestyle, and he’s just getting started!” – Cesar Cielo Filho.

Check out this Instagram post

A post shared by Cesar Cielo (@cesarcielof)

The best results in history at the distance of 100 meters freestyle

1. David Popovich – 46.86 (Rome, 2022)

2. Cesar Cielo Filho – 46.91 (Rome, 2009)

3. Alain Bernard – 46.94 (Montpellier, 2009 – his time was not recognized as a European record)

4. Caleb Dressel – 46.96 (Gwangju, 2019)

5. David Popovich – 46.98 (Rome, 2022)

6. Cameron McAvoy – 47.04 (Adelaide, 2016)

7. Eamon Sullivan – 47.05 (Beijing, 2008)

8. Kyle Chalmers – 47.08 (Tokyo, 2021)

9. James Magnussen – 47.10 (Adelaide, 2012)

10. Klyment Kolesnikov – 47.11 (Tokyo, 2021).