Daniel Martin Edges David Popovici In 100 IM At Romanian Short Course Champs
During the third day of the Romanian Short Course Championships in Otopeni, Daniel Martin and David Popovici engaged in a down-to-the-wire battle in the 100-meter individual medley. Ultimately, the 22-year-old Martin claimed victory, as his mark of 53.41 bettered the 53.47 of Popovici. Both men were a second off of the Romanian record in the event, set last November by Robert Glinta in 52.45. Glinta’s record was established in International Swimming League competition.
Although he is best known for his freestyle talent, Popovici flashed some all-around skill by taking second place in the 100 IM. The race was a chance for the 18-year-old to branch out and test himself in an off event. Popovici’s silver-medal showing complemented earlier wins at the meet in the 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle, events in which he secured world titles in Budapest over the summer. Popovici is scheduled to contest the 400 freestyle on Sunday, which is the final day of the meet.
Next month, Popovici will be in action in Melbourne, where he’ll take part in the FINA World Short Course Championships. Down Under, the Romanian’s focus will be on the 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle. The 100 freestyle could provide a duel between Popovici and 2016 Olympic champion Kyle Chalmers, the Australian world-record holder in the short-course version of the 100 freestyle. Chalmers recently won the 100 freestyle at all three legs – Berlin, Toronto, Indianapolis – of the FINA World Cup series.
Popovici went very badly in the breaststroke.
Wow. He got to lose to be hungry for more.