David Popovich, fourth in the 200 free, also did not win the 100 free, of which he is the world record holder (46.86). She wasn’t even fourth. Not fifth. He was sixth (47.83), far from the irreducible Australian medals Kyle Chambers (47.15), the American Jack Alexy (47.31) and French Maxime Grousset (47.42).
when it hatched Popovicit was easy to remember, due to phonetic proximity, Popov. Of Alexander Popov. The Russian, a biographical bridge between two fractured geopolitical realities, began his great international career after the collapse of the USSR. Physically impressive (two meters and 90 kilos) and, despite such features, possessor of a silky style, he is, in sprint swimming, the legend of legends.
Reducing, not exhausting its history, he was double Olympic champion of 50 and 100 free (1992 and 1996). And double world champion (1994 and 2003). In an age already largely characterized by brevity in abundance, he epitomized duration in excellence. He only beat once 50 world record. But, in a sport where chlorine quickly oxidizes marks, he kept it for eight years. He only broke the 100 world record once. But his 48.21 remained for sixfrom 1994 to 2000.
Popov he was 22 years old when he achieved the 100 record. Popovic, 17 (he is now 18). It is very likely that she will improve, and perhaps more than once, her own record. But, effortlessly admitting such a possibility, it is worth questioning, based on other experiences, to what extent precocity can go to the detriment of longevity. Even in swimming. Or especially in swimming. The comparison with Popov prompts a question addressed to Popovici. The answer is not in the wind, but in the water.
according to his name, Summer McIntosh (2:04.06), who turns 17 in August, premiered gold in the 200 butterfly. Kaylee McKewon (27.08) repeated, in the 50 backstroke, the 100 title. And Leon Marchand (1:54.82, European record), in the 200 styles, the 200 butterfly and 400 styles. Australia (7:37.50), with the golden Ariarne Titmus y Mollie O’Callaghan in the “team”, he also increased, in the 4×200 freestyle relay, his gold and his world record in the 4×100. It was, on the fifth day, the fifth world record of the Championship, four by Australia. The USA has more medals (21), Australia has 13, but nine gold, leading the ranking.