Fukuoka, July 29 (UNI) Romania’s Olympic champion David Popovici produced a breathtaking finish to clinch his second world title in the men’s 200m freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships here on Monday, stopping the clock at 1:43.53.
Popovici, the gold medallist from the Paris 2024 Olympics, surged past American swimmer and six-time world medallist Luke Hobson in the final 50 metres to seal the top spot. Hobson, who had won bronze at the Doha Worlds last year, claimed silver this time with a personal-best time of 1:43.84.
Japan’s Murasa Tatsuya stunned the field with a sensational final burst to grab bronze in 1:44.54, narrowly edging out 2024 world champion Hwang Sunwoo of South Korea.
Speaking after the race, a beaming Popovici said, “I think \\\\\\\\[this feels] even better than the Olympics. I trained a lot for the Olympics but this coming from a more relaxed year, I am very proud of myself.”
The 19-year-old Romanian’s calculated race strategy and explosive finish marked another milestone in his already glittering career, adding further depth to an event that continues to produce thrilling contests at the global stage.
