Romanian swimmer David Popovici leads team to European Championships in Paris

David Popovici, the 21‑year‑old Olympic champion, will compete in the 2026 European Swimming Championships in Paris, targeting gold in the 100 m and 200 m freestyle and possibly a relay medal. The event runs from 10 – 16 August at the Paris Aquatics Centre, with the Romanian delegation fielding eleven swimmers.

Theodor Proca, 18, is also in a pre‑competition training camp in Izvorani, preparing for the 1500 m freestyle. Both athletes are supported by the Romanian Swimming and Modern Pentathlon Federation.

On the Thursday before the meet, organizers cancelled open‑water and high‑diving training sessions on the Seine after detecting traces of hydrocarbons, citing precautionary safety measures. Tests are ongoing to ensure water quality for the remaining competition days.