David Popovici

About

Romanian Olympian and competitive swimmer who specializes in freestyle events. He is known for being the current holder of the world record in the long course 100-meter freestyle, and the junior world record in the long course 200-meter freestyle. He also holds the junior world record in the short course 100-meter freestyle. In the year 2022, he became the first man in nearly half a century to sweep the 100-meter and 200-meter freestyles at the World Championships. 

Before Fame

He started swimming at the Lia Manoliu pool at the age of four after swimming was recommended by a doctor seeking to help correct his early-stage scoliosis. He began training at Aqua Team Bucharest when he was nine. By age ten, he broke his first junior national record in the 50-meter backstroke. He was 14 when he became the fastest swimmer under 15 in the history of the European Youth Olympic Festival by swimming 100 meters in 49.82 seconds. 

Trivia

He has interests in philosophy and stoicism. He is a big fan of reading and prefers reading to spending time on social media. Two of his favorite books are, "The Practice of Groundedness" by Brad Stulberg and, "Sans Famille" by Hector Malot. He was awarded the Order of the Star of Romania in July 2022 by Romanian President Klaus Iohannis. He would love to have the superpower of being able to breathe underwater. 

Family Life

He grew up in the Pantilimon neighborhood of central Bucharest in Romania. His father Mihailo Popovici was a commercial agent for a pharmaceutical company before becoming director of the Dinamo Club swimming school in December of 2022. 

Associated With

He grew up idolizing swimmers Michael Phelps and Ian Thorpe. He has followed Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s athletic training methods.