David Popovici Disappoints in 100 M Final in Fukuoka, Japan

The Romanian wonder and former world champion David Popovici disappointed his fans in the 100-meter final in Fukuoka. He managed to arrive sixth in the final.

Only days earlier, he admitted he hadn’t been able to train appropriately for the World Championship. The statement was offered after he lost the 200-meter freestyle event, where he came only fourth.

With a time of 47.83, Popovici failed to keep the gold medal won last year at the World Championships in Budapest.

Before the final, he offered an interview to the Romanian journalists.

I tried to sleep as well as I could, I ate properly, and I tried to rest; the schedule was quite tight, but we managed with what we had; not only I got through this schedule, but all my competitors. I didn’t talk about anything (n.r. with the coach) because it was evident that my body had shut down. We are both aware of what happened. The first three pools were perfect, and the last one, although it’s usually my specialty, now I just wasn’t trained enough. I’m happy with the time; qualifying was essential; I think I’m fifth, and that’s very good. The final is tomorrow. I want it to turn out well to make sure I calculate it as well as possible.

Romanian swimmer David Popovici before the 100-meter final

The world title in 100 m freestyle was won by the Australian Kyle Chalmers (47.15). American Jack Alexy came in 2nd in 47.31, while France’s Maxime Grousset rounded the podium (47.42).

David Popovici still holds the world record in 100 m freestyle: 46.86, but the question arises: how did the world champion lose almost a second from last year’s result until now?

Late edit: David Popovici delivered an exceptional and motivational speech after returning from Fukuoka. You can read it in its entirety by clicking the link.