David Popovici Returning to Rome for Sette Colli; Some of Best Performances Produced in Italian Capital
The 62nd edition of the Sette Colli International will unfold from Friday through Sunday at the Foro Italico in Rome, and if history is any indication, eyes should be on Romanian star David Popovici. Entered in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle, Popovici is one of several big names set to compete, while using the meet as a tuneup for this summer’s European Championships in Paris.
Through the years, Popovici has enjoyed a love affair with the Italian capital, registering several of his finest performances while visiting Rome. His first world record was notched in The Eternal City, thanks to a 46.86 outing in the 100-meter freestyle at the 2022 European Champs. That same competition saw Popovici clock 1:42.97 in the 200 freestyle, a time that ranks as the fastest textile performance in history.
What will Popovici generate at this year’s Sette Colli? How fast the 21-year-old goes will depend on where he stands in training, but he will be surrounded by elite competition and be on the case for quality markers en route to Euros. And of course, he has a true afinity for the Foro Italico pool. Here’s a look at Popovici’s success through the years in Rome.
David Popovici’s Top Times in Rome
100 Freestyle
46.86 – 2022 European Championships (World Record at the Time)
46.98 – 2022 European Championships
47.20 – 2022 European Championships
47.30 – 2021 European Junior Championships
47.56 – 2021 European Junior Championships
47.85 – 2022 European Championships
200 Freestyle
1:42.97 – 2022 European Championships
1:44.91 – 2022 European Championships
1:45.26 – 2021 European Junior Championships
1:45.49 – 2023 Sette Colli International
1:45.95 – 2021 European Junior Championships
