Romanian swimmer David Popovici started his campaign at the Paris Olympic Games on the right foot, winning his 200-meter freestyle heat, also posting the fastest time among all 4 heats.
Double world champion at 19, Popovici clearly dominated his heat, the last of the competition, which he won without pushing himself, in 1:45.65.
His semifinal is tonight at 9:53 PM. Our swimmer maintained the lead at 100 meters, with South Korean Hwang close behind, and American Hobson in 3rd. He slightly increased the distance in the third lap, finishing with the best time of the heats.
Pan Zhanle disappointed in this race, finishing a distant 6th. Lithuanian Danas Rapsys had the second-best time in the heats. All the key names in the event advance to the semifinals.
David Popovici is one of the favorites in the 200-meter freestyle event, having recently become European champion in Belgrade in this distance, also a former world champion.
There are four heats competing for a spot in the semifinals, which will take place on Sunday evening at 9:46 PM. David competed in the last heat, alongside his great rival from the 100 meters, Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle.
The Olympic record for the event is held by American Michael Phelps, with 1 minute, 42 seconds, and 96 milliseconds, set in Beijing in 2008.
The Romanian started this event with the best time of the season, 1:43.13, achieved at the European Championships in Belgrade in June.
David has been identified in all analyses as the main favorite in this event, being the only active swimmer to have gone under 1:43.00 in his career.