David Popovici took 4th place in the 200m freestyle final at the European Short Course Swimming Championships in Otopeni, and at the end, the athlete expressed his disappointment that he did not repeat the result at the 2022 World Championships.

Davyd PopovychPhoto: Lee Jin-man / AP / Profimedia

David Popovich: “I can’t show the best result every time”

At the Melbourne competition, David finished second, and the time recorded then (1:40.79) would win him gold in Otopeni.

“Over time in Melbourne, I would have taken first place here. Only I drove half a second slower. There’s no way I can show the best time every time, that’s all. And as long as I realize this, I have nothing to be sad about.

I’m not a big fan of short swims in the pool, there are too many turns for me. But I also have to look on the bright side… meaning that by having more moves, I also improve a few in the long pool.

I didn’t have a time in mind, but for the kind of performance I was aiming for, 1 minute 41 seconds is pretty good. We expected such a fast time.

Except today there were three guys, even faster than me. Guys I’m really good friends with, especially Dana Rapsys. In the end, we really enjoyed the race. After all, we have to have fun.

I am very tired and can’t wait for sleep and I hope I sleep well. Now I’m also waiting for the anti-doping test… I can’t wait to go home. It was a very difficult day (Saturday) for me, but it prepares me for important competitions that will follow” – Davyd Popovychquoted by Agerpres.

Know:

  • David Popovich also qualified for the final in the 100 m freestyle, showing the sixth time of the series (46.48). The fight for medals will take place on Sunday from 19:08.
  • Andrii Ungur won Romania’s only medal at the competition in Otopeni: bronze in the 100-meter backstroke.

Romania’s short distance swim meet 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 Coman, Robert Badea, Denis Popescu, Andrey Ungur, Mihai Gergeli, Daniel Nikusan, Vlad Mihalace, Andrey Proka, Nandor Nagy, Aleksandra Stoyka.

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