David Popovici opts for modest vehicles over gifts from Ion Țiriac

Romanian swimmer David Popovici has revealed that he does not drive the two cars gifted to him by Ion Țiriac following the 2024 Paris Olympics. For winning gold in the 200m freestyle and bronze in the 100m freestyle, Popovici received a Hyundai Ioniq 5, valued at approximately €52,500, and a Hyundai Bayon, valued at around €20,000.

Popovici stated that he avoids driving the gifted vehicles because their customized nature attracts too much attention. Instead, he prefers to drive his 10-year-old Audi A3 or use public transportation to remain inconspicuous.

Despite the gifts, the athlete recently purchased a Porsche Spyder for approximately €120,000. While this purchase drew some criticism from Romanian sports representatives, Ion Țiriac defended the swimmer, noting that Popovici is a world-record holder and a person with his feet on the ground.