David Popovici qualified without emotion in the semifinals of the 200-meter freestyle at the Olympic Games, achieving the best time of all 4 heats, 1 minute, 45 seconds and 65 hundredths. He will enter the competition one more time today, his semi-final being scheduled at 21.53.
David Popovici “flew” on his debut at the Olympic Games. Photo EPA EFE
The Romanian returned first after 50 meters, during the world record. He held on to first place on the way back, with South Korea’s Hwang, the reigning Olympic champion, hot on his heels. He slightly increased the distance in the third pool, after which he closed with the best time of the evening in the 200-meter freestyle.
David Popovici and Hwang, at the end of the first race at the Olympic Games. Photo EPA EFE
David Popovici is considered the big favorite of the test. His main opponents for the gold medal are the winners of the other 3 heats, Velimir Stjepanovic (1 minute, 47 seconds and 56 hundredths), Maximilian Giuliani (1 minute, 46 seconds, 15 hundredths) and Danas Raspsys (1 minute and 45 seconds, 91 hundredths), but also the Belgian Henveaux, the South Korean Hwang or the British Richards.
The best results of the series, in 200 meters freestyle
In this event, David Popovici owns the best time of the season, 1:43.13, achieved at the European Championships in Belgrade in June, where he emerged as the continental champion. Among all swimmers remaining active, the Romanian is the only one who went below 1:43.00 in his career.
The semi-finals of the 200m freestyle are scheduled for the evening session, from 21.46 and 21.53, while the final is scheduled for Monday, from 21.40.
