He was praised by the former world record holder at the distance of 100 meters freestyle (Cesar Cielo Filho), and now it is the turn of the legendary Oleksandr Popov (multiple Olympic champion and world champion) to talk about the sensational David Popovich.

Sensational David Popovich through the eyes of the former 100m freestyle record holder: It’s scary how much he can improve

Oleksandr Popov suggests that David Popovich breathe less in the first 50 meters

Having reached the age of 50, Popov agreed to discuss the new world swimming sensation, Romanian David Popovici.

Multiple Olympic, world and European champion Oleksandr Popov is undoubtedly one of the best swimmers of all time.

The Russian speaks candidly about David Popovich, who he says, among other things, is an exceptional swimmer and has a lot of room for improvement.

“It seems to me that David swims the way he is most comfortable. Breathe a lot, it’s okay, I don’t mind. But it can be an important opportunity to go to the next level.

But given that he needs to develop, I would suggest that he somehow try to breathe only two or three maximum four times in the first 50 meters (not to mention the 100 meter freestyle).

And from now on, to accelerate a lot, this option can help him tire a lot less, which of course will mean better times” – Oleksandr Popovin a podcast designed for swimming enthusiasts.

Oleksandr Popov is impressed by Davyd Popovich’s relaxation before the races

The Russian continues to talk about what impresses him about the new star of world swimming, Popov clarified that what impresses him the most is how relaxed David approaches the races in which he is going to participate.

“I’m really impressed with everything he’s done lately, but what impresses me the most is how (slim) he looks and how relaxed he is. Of course, physically he is not so formed now (he is only 17), but he has all the time” – Oleksandr Popov.

David Popovich’s weakness

The legendary Popov believes that, first of all, David should improve his starts. Currently, this is the nerve center of the Romanian swimmer, according to Oleksandr.

“From my point of view, at the moment he lacks a better reaction at the start. Starts need improvement, but the way he swims is incredible and his results are very good. I also like its boosts, it generates a lot of energy.

The critical point in the 100-meter freestyle race is the last 25 meters, we can say, in particular, the last 15 meters.

I’ve studied him well from that point of view, he keeps pushing, doesn’t tire and has an excellent swimming pace. This is the key to victory in the 100-meter freestyle” – Oleksandr Popov.

Oleksandr Popov does not know what Davyd Popovich’s limit is

“He still has a lot of potential to improve in the last 50 meters. I really can’t tell where his limit is (smiles), how far he can go.

I really can’t understand how he manages to push (force) like that. I think at what moral level you need to be in order to get such an incredible result (46.86 is a new world record set by Popovich at the European Championship in Rome).

We haven’t talked or met before, but it will definitely happen. I’ll be happy to shake his hand, I heard he has an impressive palm (laughs)” – Oleksandr Popov.

What would he do if he was in the same locker room as David Popovich before the 100m freestyle

“Well, yes, yes, yes, this could be a very interesting story. Honestly, I have no idea how I would have reacted, how I could have been mentally prepared to think about 46.86 (David Popovich’s new world record).

Secondly, I thank God that I did not have the opportunity to deal with such a young swimmer when I was active,” the legendary concluded with a smile Oleksandr Popov.

At the age of 50, Oleksandr Popov (2.01 meters and 87 kg) impressed throughout his career, the Russian won 9 medals at the Olympic Games (4 of them gold).

Also, Popov is a multiple world and European champion, in total during his career he collected 33 gold, 12 silver and 5 bronze medals (YO, CM and CE).

He is the only swimmer in history to defend his 50m and 100m titles won at the Olympic Games (Barcelona 1992 and Atalanta 1996).

Popov, two-time Olympic champion of Barcelona 1992 (50 and 100 meters freestyle)

Oleksandr Popov

Sensational David Popovich and doping allegations – how the two-time world and European champion comments on this sensitive topic

Know:

• From August 30 to September 4, David Popovici will compete in the World Junior Swimming Championships in Lima, Peru.

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. Kliment Kolesnikov – 47.11 (Tokyo, 2021)

David Popovici, two-time European and world champion in the summer of 2022

David Popovichi won two gold medals at the European Swimming Championships in Rome, and our athlete was unstoppable in the queen’s distance in the 100 m freestyleand also in the fact that 200 m free.

We will remind you that in June of this year David Popovich made a double at the World Swimming Championships, he managed to prove himself in100andtwo hundred m for free

During the entire World Swimming Championships, only one athlete managed to win the 100-meter and 200-meter freestyle events from the same edition.

It happened 49 years ago, and the person celebrating this feat is called Jim Montgomery (USA – he is now 67 years old). That year, the competition was hosted by Belgrade.

Read also:

• David Popovich vs Usain Bolt: 100m Freestyle World Record 2022 Sports Achievement

• David Popovici praised by Michael Phelps’ trainer – How he describes the Romanian champion

• David Popovici wants to win it all in 2022 – Kamelia Potek talks about the fastest swimmer in the world​