Romanian Swimmer David Popovici Wins Third Straight European 100m Freestyle Title

Romanian swimming star David Popovici has won the men’s 100m freestyle title at the 2026 European Aquatics Championships in Paris, securing his third consecutive European crown in one of swimming’s most prestigious events.

The 21-year-old Romanian touched the wall in 46.56 seconds, setting a new European Championships record and producing another performance close to the limits of the event.

Russia’s Egor Kornev finished second in 46.74 seconds, while Hungary’s Kristóf Milák claimed bronze in 46.87.

Popovici had already broken the championship record during Tuesday’s semifinals, when he clocked 46.72. Less than 24 hours later, he lowered that mark by another 0.16 seconds in the final.

Popovici Comes Back in the Second Half

The final developed into an exceptionally fast battle between Popovici and Kornev.

Kornev produced the stronger opening 50 metres and reached the turn ahead of the Romanian. Popovici, however, remained within striking distance and once again demonstrated the finishing speed that has become one of the defining characteristics of his 100m freestyle races.

Over the final length, the Romanian gradually closed the gap before overtaking Kornev and touching first.

Speaking after the race, Popovici described the final as extremely close and highlighted the overall level of the field, noting that the performances were faster than those seen in most previous Olympic editions.

He also acknowledged that he had put pressure on himself to defend the European title.

The victory means Popovici has now won the European 100m freestyle crown at three consecutive editions: 2022, 2024 and 2026.

Just 0.16 Seconds Away From the World Record

Popovici’s 46.56 in Paris is only five hundredths of a second slower than his own European record of 46.51, established when he won the world title at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.

The current world record remains the 46.40 set by China’s Pan Zhanle at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Popovici therefore finished Wednesday’s European final only 0.16 seconds away from the world record.

The Romanian previously held the world record himself after swimming 46.86 at the 2022 European Championships in Rome. His record was eventually surpassed by Pan.

Popovici said after Wednesday’s victory that he would have liked to break the world record in Paris but believes such a performance has to come naturally rather than simply being forced.

Another Major Title for Romania’s Swimming Star

The victory adds another major international title to a career that has already made Popovici one of the most successful Romanian athletes of his generation.

He is an Olympic champion, multiple world champion and now a three-time consecutive European champion in the 100m freestyle.

His European Championships campaign is not over.

Popovici will also compete in the 200m freestyle, with the heats scheduled for Thursday and the final set for Friday, August 14. He enters that event as one of the leading contenders for another European gold medal.