David Popovici Becomes First Romanian Man To Win Gold At An Olympics After 200 Free Win

2024 PARIS SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES

MEN’S 200-METER FREESTYLE – FINALS

1. David Popovici (ROU) – 1:44.72
2. Matt Richards (GBR) – 1:44.74
3. Luke Hobson (USA) – 1:44.79
4. Duncan Scott (GBR) – 1:44.87
5. Lukas Martens (GER) – 1:45.46 (TIE)
6. Danas Rapsys (LTU) – 1:45.46 (TIE)
7. Macimillian Giuliani (AUS) – 1:45.57
8. Katsuhiro Matsumoto (JPN) – 1:46.26

David Popovici of Romania became the first Romanian man to win gold in Olympic swimming on Monday night, capturing gold in the men’s 200 freestyle in a 1:44.72 in his win.

Popovici also became the first Romanian to win any medal since 2004 when Camelia Potec won gold in the women’s 200 freestyle and Razvan Florea won bronze in the men’s 200 backstroke.

The race was also revenge for the teenager after he just missed the podium at the 2020 Tokyo Games with a 4th place finish in a 1:44.68. That time was a National Record at the time.

Popovici’s best time stands at a 1:42.97 which he swam back in 2022. That time stands as the World Junior Record and made him the #3 performer in history. His season best stands at a 1:43.13 from last month at the European Championships.

All-Time 200 Freestyle Performers

1. Paul Biedermann (GER) – 1:42.00 (2009)
2. Michael Phelps (USA) – 1:42.96 (2008)
3. David Popovici (ROU) – 1:42.97 (2022)
4. Yannick Agnel (FRA) – 1:43.14 (2012)
5. Danila Izotov (RUS) – 1:43.90 (2009)