2022 FINA SHORT COURSE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
- Tuesday, December 13 to Sunday, December 18, 2022
- Melbourne Sports and Aquatics Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- SCM (25m)
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The 2022 FINA Short Course World Championships are set to kick off momentarily from the Melbourne Sports and Aquatics Centre.
Of all the intense action to watch, one of the most anticipated races is the men’s 100m freestyle, where the likes of young gun and long course World Record holder David Popovici is set to square off against 2016 Olympic champion and host country hero Kyle Chalmers.
Entering this competition, Popovici is riding a wave of success over the summer, where the 18-year-old Romanian became World champion, European Champion and World Junior Champion all in the same year. His already-historic career came to a head when he clinched a new long course 100 freestyle World Record of 46.86 in the 100m freestyle.
Even with that kind of accolade highlighting Popovici’s resume, the teen is grounded when it comes to analyzing his upcoming short course races in Melbourne. He’ll be pitted against the aforementioned Chalmers, who is a World Record holder himself, having cracked a new SCM mark of 44.84 during the 2021 FINA World Cup.
Of the match-up on Chalmers’ home turf, Popovici said today, “Sure, there is a rivalry between me and Kyle, but I think the rivalry is only in long course.
“Kyle holds the world record in short course events and I am the world record holder in long course events. So, perhaps in a few years, this rivalry will be real. My goal is to qualify for the final, and as we all know, once you have a lane, you have a chance.”
Popovici insisted he is not downplaying his potential, further stating, “I don’t think it’s a bluff to say that I don’t like swimming short course events; I am sort of built for long course competition. The turns and starts are more intense in short course, so this is a great opportunity to gather information and to gain experience and to be the best version that I can be.”
Popovici’s best-ever short course 100 freestyle time rests at the 46.62 he produced this past October in Romania, a mark nearly 2 seconds off of Chalmers’ WR. Regardless, Popovici conveyed he is merely happy to be on Aussie soil with the chance to race the best ever.
“It’s beautiful here. I have wanted to come to Australia for a long time. The culture of sports is a very big thing in Australia. Children and adults here enjoy a healthy lifestyle with swimming and aquatic sports, and in fact, anything sports related. The people here are very friendly and open. It’s nice to see so much green and to be here in the summer. I like it! Although the event has not yet gotten underway, I am sure that it will be one of my favourite events.”
Popovici is entered in the 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle events at these Short Course World Championships.
So wholesome
Would be amazing if he swims for Australia .. would make him a top notch relay contribution for Aussies as well
I mean…insert any country name here to make this statement true…
He’s a sporting hero in Romania while in Australia he’d just be another swimmer.
Popo’s analysis of himself and his swimming is pretty objective
This kid is mature and measured beyond his years.
Downplaying himself, but, frankly it’s realistic to what is skillset is right now, and a healthy view. I still expect to see him on a podium, especially in the 200 (if he’s rested).
Real swimming is LCM, SCM & SCY is just ok for winter or training. Popovici is the best by far.
Is this snobbery really necessary? I find this attitude exhausting and not helpful.