Popovici Denies Retirement Rumors
Romanian swimmer David Popovici returned to Bucharest on Sunday after winning gold in both the 100 m and 200 m freestyle events at the World Championships in Singapore. Speaking at Otopeni Airport, the 20-year-old dismissed recent rumors about a possible retirement, CE Report quotes AGERPRES
“I still love swimming. I don’t know where that came from,” Popovici said. “Yes, it was tough, but I managed to exceed even my own expectations.”
Popovici revealed that he had considered skipping the competition altogether due to personal struggles, but with support from his family, girlfriend, and friends, he found the strength to compete.
“More than the medals, I’m proud I didn’t give up,” he said, calling for more openness in sports about mental challenges. “I’m an athlete, but I’m also human. Last year was incredibly difficult.”
He also expressed hope that his victories would prompt authorities to renovate the outdated “Lia Manoliu” swimming pool in Bucharest. “Sports should be a national priority,” he emphasized.
With his latest triumphs, Popovici became the first swimmer to win both the 100 and 200 m freestyle titles at two different World Championships (Budapest 2022 and Singapore 2025). In Singapore, he also set new competition and European records in the 100 m freestyle, missing the world record by just 0.11 seconds.
