Former Piotr Nurowski Prize (PNP) winner David Popovici has tonight earned Olympic gold with his victory in the men’s 200m freestyle.

Romanian swimmer Popovici won the European Olympic Committees’ PNP in 2021, recognising him as the best young European athlete aged 14-18 based on performances and engagement with Olympic culture, values and friendship.

Since winning the PNP, Popovici’s career has reached new heights, culminating in his impressive performance on day three of the Olympic Games as he clocked 1:44.72 to clinch 200m freestyle gold.

His gold medal-winning performance came in front of another packed crowd at the Paris La Défense Arena, as the Olympic Games continues to captivate the host city and beyond on its return to Europe for the first time in more than a decade.

Speaking after his victory, Popovici expressed his delight at taking gold in front of so many of his supporters.

“I feel amazing. It is so great to be here. So many Romanians in the crowd. It’s beautiful, it’s a dream come true. I don’t know how to describe it. It’s so simple, yet so beautiful,” he said.

The 19-year-old is also competing in the men’s 100m freestyle in Paris, with heats beginning tomorrow.

(Photo by International Olympic Committee)