World and European champion David Popovici (ROU) will miss the 400m freestyle final

The Romanian star will not be competing in the men's 400m freestyle final scheduled for this afternoon, August 17, at 18:53 at the Swimming Stadium. After winning the 100m freestyle with a world record time of 46.86 and the 200m freestyle with the junior world record (1:42.97), the 17-year-old from Bucharest has decided to withdraw from the 400m freestyle final, despite qualifying in the morning's heats with the 4th overall time. The decision, made in agreement with his staff, including coach Adrian Rãdulescu, and made official by the Romanian Swimming Federation, is due to his need to prepare in the best possible way for the junior world championships, scheduled from August 30 to September 4 in Lima.

The young champion, through his coach, wanted to thank the audience for the warmth and support he received during these European championships in Rome, inviting the numerous fans to follow him in his future sporting endeavours.