David Popovici is only 19 years old and he has achieved what many dream of such as:
Being the first Romanian swimmer in history to receive the title of "Swimmer of the year" by the most prestigious publication in the world dedicated to swimming: Swimming World Magazine. (Romania Insider)
Setting world junior records for both 100m and 200m in the sprint freestyle category at the 2022: World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. (Olympics.com)
Winning both the men's 100m and 200m freestyle titles at the 2022: European Championships in Rome, Italy. (Olympics.com)
The two-time Australian Olympian Brett Hawke stating that "He is one in a million. He has this ability to put his hand in the water and be unlike any other swimmer. He has a natural, aquatic feel. He’s Steph Curry shooting a 3-pointer. You can’t replicate it. You can try, but you can’t. And when you add everything up, he has something special.” (Olympics.com)
But besides being a talented and successful swimmer, David has exhibited his humanity, especially in stressful times. Notably, when David was under insurmountable pressure for the 200m freestyle from the World Swimming Championships in Japan in 2023 because of his impressive winning streak in the year prior. Although losing for the first time since making headlines, David shared that he isn't upset as he tried his best; in fact, he stated that he was happy to have lost, as he looks forward to learning more about his favorite sport and becoming the best athlete he possibly can.
If you were wondering why David has touched so many people's hearts globally, it is because of his humble, respectful, hardworking, and empathetic demeanor; how he constantly strives to better himself, motivating thousands to not fixate solely on the end goal but to also appreciate the means to reach the end and look at the constructive aspects of mistakes. David has also been vocal about his humanitarian efforts, such as when he selflessly donated one of his gold medals from a World Swimming Championship as a sign of hope for children diagnosed with cancer. (More via his Instagram)
David's ability to continuously raise awareness of significant issues, tangibly support those suffering from hardship, be approachable to all fans, portray himself authentically by posting his goofy and relatable moments, as well as effortlessly acknowledging and thanking his parents and coach for being his pillars of strength are a few of the reasons why thanks to David's legacy and representation of our nation, Romanians feel proud to be Romanian. Despite being so young, his maturity, work ethic, perseverance, volunteering efforts, friendliness, and success make him the perfect role model for us all, regardless of age, gender, and background. 👏 🇷🇴 💪
Although there is a lot of buzz surrounding David's absence at the Doha 2024 World Aquatics Championships that took place from the 2nd - 18th of February, David has been training tirelessly for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and I have no doubt that he will achieve his dream of receiving his first gold Olympic medal.
Courtesy of "Clubul Sportiv Dinamo București" for the cover of the Swimming World Magazine's 2022 edition, featuring David Popovici and Ariarne Titmus (the female swimmer of the year).
I had the absolute honor of interviewing David about topics such as but not limited to: his curiosity and passion for swimming, how he can stay motivated and focused despite facing constant pressure, and what messages he would like to share with his fellow adolescents.
Without further ado, Wholesome presents my interview with David: 🏊♂️
Question 1: I know that you started swimming at 4 years old, I would like to know when and what made you interested in swimming competitively.
Answer: Yes, I started swimming early, but it was in the first competition that I won at the age of 8 or 9 that I felt the joy of being on the podium. This is what pushes me to strive for perfection, that feeling.
Question 2: I also read that you started swimming after being diagnosed with early-stage Scoliosis. What makes you passionate about swimming and how long did it take for you to feel this way?
Answer: I felt good in the water right from the beginning and I like to think that swimming chose me, the freedom that I felt (and I still feel) in the water was present from the beginning.
Question 3: Were your parents correct about swimming helping you sleep better?
Answer: It didn't really help at first, I was so happy and active that it didn't work as they expected.
Question 4: Have you always thought that you would succeed in Swimming?
Answer: I knew I wanted to be the best :)
Question 5: What is the mindset that you implement to stay focused and optimistic when you have harder or longer days?
Answer: I know my goals and I know that only by working hard I can achieve them. It's a long journey but I am focused every day, I control what's in my power and try not to take into account the pressure or expectations from the outside.
Question 6: Seeing how successful you were at the Olympics, do you feel any pressure to continue being the #1? If so, how do you cope with this feeling?
Answer: I was also prepared for this aspect. I knew success, pressure and fame were a package deal, but I'm still learning to manage all the attention that I receive.
Question 7: How do you balance your time between swimming practices, school, and social life?
Answer: From the outside it may seem difficult but I have organized them efficiently and I can handle them.
Question 8: How has your fame and success impacted your social interactions?
Answer: The impact is quite big in the sense that I am recognized on the street, I take pictures with little kids, but it doesn't bother me, I feel the support of the Romanians and I thank them.
Question 9: What has it been like receiving so much attention online and in public?
Answer: It's fine in public, especially because I interact with a lot of children and I like their energy. I don't interact with the online world so much and I don't read what the press writes about me. I like to think that I have self-control when it comes to the online environment or social media.
Question 10: How has your strong relationship with your coach helped you to continuously improve your performance over the years?
Answer: We started the collaboration when I was 9 years old and he was 22-23 years old. We evolved together and he guided me through my childhood and adolescence. My coach is not just a coach, he is my mentor.
Question 11: Is there something that you or your coach does that helps you maintain mental well-being?
Answer: Yes, there is. We try not to go astray, we know our objective very well and we do not take into account the things that are beyond our control.
Question 12: Is there something that you do to keep your stress under control before performing?
Answer: I don't do anything special: the work is done, the training is done. If you do something 10,000 times, there's no way you won't succeed 10,001 times.
Question 13: Who have been your main supporters throughout your swimming journey and how have they supported you?
Answer: There are many people with me on this road: parents, friends, teachers, my team. We work as a team, we understand and help each other every time.
Question 14: What was the most valuable lesson you have learned from your Olympics experience?
Answer: The most valuable lesson? Age is just a number.
Question 15: Do you have any advice for other adolescents who would like to pursue certain sports competitively?
Answer: Follow your dreams! It doesn't matter how bumpy the road is, if you work hard and have a little support, you can become anything!
Question 16: I know that you are a part of our national team. How do you maintain a stable friendship with your teammates when you are competing against one another?
Answer: I respect my colleagues, in the relay we are like musketeers: all for one and one for all. We are good friends, but races are races, only the best can win. That's sports after all.
Question 17: What is something that you are proud of achieving so far?
Answer: I am proud to have made Romania's name known in the world of swimming and, in particular, I am glad to have felt the support of the Romanians.
Question 18: What are some goals you would like to accomplish in the future?
Answer: In the future we hope to leave our mark in the world of swimming and continue to inspire people in becoming the best versions of themselves.
Courtesy of DIGI 24 HD for the image of David and his colleagues being interviewed and credits to Brașov Știri for the image of David holding the Romanian flag.
As a Romanian teenage girl, it has been so heartwarming to see David making Romania known whilst mantaining his humble, polite, and inspiring personality, that encourages all of us to accomplish our dreams and not be held back by fear of failure.
David, thank you once again for your time and participation! I am excited to see what is next for you in swimming! Wholesome and I will continue supporting your every victory! 😊
Wholesome reader, thank you for reading this interview! Sending virtual hugs and lots of happiness your way! 🧸 🌻 🤪
It's so awesome that you got to interview him, must've been a great experience. Wonderfully written as usual :)