David Popovici on Seeing 100 Free World Record Broken: "It was refreshing"

David Popovici has been through a lot in his swimming career for someone who just graduated high school a year ago. After extreme highs and lows in 2022 and 2023, it seems Popovici has found a middle ground where he can be satisfied with his results no matter the outcome.
At the Barcelona stop of the 2024 Mare Nostrum Tour, Popovici took a decisive win in the 200 free, clocking a 1:44.74 on night 1. After the race, the 19-year-old spoke on his last couple years, his mindset heading into Paris, and his reaction to seeing his world record in the 100 free get broken this past February by China's Pan Zhanle.

[@davidguthrie3739]

Refreshing is a perfect word to describe this guy.

[@212ntruesdale]

LOVE his attitude and maturity! He’s a winner every way you slice it!

[@hallockstuart7899]

I'm very impressed by how David Popovici is always very even keeled.

[@aviewerfromnowhere]

A real philosopher! I am double of his age but half of his maturity 😅

[@DonostiGros]

Such a mature person at such a young age, love David… and his English is superb too!

[@user-tk4dg1hn9k]

Mulțumim, David!

[@1-decembrie1918]

România te iubeşte David! Felicitari şi succes!

[@andrewiverson9293]

Sounding like a true professional

[@barbwickman3077]

A true stoic

[@ladyinblack4484]

It's very smart and most humble guy.

[@chris-zs7ce]

Great dude, great attitude

[@marccheckpoint5353]

Good smart guy.

[@frankthedukes1564]

Paris 100m free is going to be the most exciting race at the olympics...I am cheering for all the guys..but David, for some reason is my favourite.

[@L14Mswim]

MY KING ❤❤❤

[@ladyinblack4484]

Felicitări,, David!❤❤❤

[@derlandedossantos9809]

The best; Popovici

[@silviaalina6313]

Mult succes, David !

[@vakmacsek]

Sok sikert kívánok! 💪

[@jorgemorales1254]

200 libre-1.41.99-Paris 2024.

[@frankthedukes1564]

and how the fuck is he so mature for being a kid???

[@billybob6604]

ahhh refreshing

[@H.J.L]

What time did he go?

[@walkerbrierley4789]

What was his time?

[@allydea]

In the 200 it was 1:44:7 something.