Budapest 2022: Popovici (ROU) sensational double in the freestyle. France shine with Grousset, Pigree and Marchand
In the lanes of the Duna Arena pool in Budapest, Romanian David Popovici secures a double world championships victory, winning gold in the men’s 100m freestyle (47.58) after triumphing in the 200m. The double had only been previously achieved by USA’s Jim Montgomery at the first world swimming championships in Belgrade in 1973. The 17-year-old athlete is the second man to win the men's 100m freestyle in a world championships before his 18th birthday, as it happened at the same age to Andy Coan (USA) in Cali (Colombia) in 1975.
Photo Giorgio Scala / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto
“I think it’s just the beginning of a long journey,” Popovici said. “Now I’m here to enjoy the benefits of the my hard work I did the past. It’s a great moment for me and I’m ready whatever the future beholds for me. Now I’m going home and enjoy the reaction of the fans.”
Popovici's historic victory was challenged by France's Maxime Grousset, who finished with a silver medal. The 23-year-old swimmer claimed his first international medal with 47.64.
Photo Andrea Staccioli / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto
In the evening session, France reached two more podiums, bringing the total to six medals won in five days: first the bronze medal for Analia Pigree in the women’s 50m backstroke (27.40), then gold for Leon Marchand in the men’s 200 individual medley. With a time of 1:55.22, the 20-year-old Frenchman set the national record and moved up to sixth place in the all-time ranking, becoming the second fastest swimmer in Europe after Hungary's Laszlo Cseh (1:55.18).
ARTISTIC SWIMMING
Photo Andrea Masini / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto
Ukraine again on the podium for the fourth time in the artistic swimming competition that are held at the Szechy outdoor pool in the Hungarian capital. Marta Fiedina's performance in the solo free routine was evaluated by the judges with a score of 93.8000, behind Japan's Yukiko Inui (95.3667). This was the second silver medal for the Hungarian synchro swimmer after the one won in the technical solo. Completing the podium was Greek Evangelia Platanioti with 91.7667 points.
Photo Andrea Staccioli / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto Use of photographs is only permitted for publications registered for editorial purposes. Credits must be mentioned.
