Article by Roxana Fleşeru, David Istrate – published on Saturday, June 28, 2025, 21:48 / Updated on Saturday, June 28, 2025 21:54
Denis-Laurean Popescu (22 years old) obtained on Saturday, June 28, the second medal from the European Championships U23. After the gold from 100 m butterfly, the swimmer in Reșița took bronze at 50 m butterfly, with a time of 23.43 seconds.
Denis-Laurean Popescu was one of the pleasant surprises of the European U23 championships in Samorin, Slovakia. The Romanian qualified in 3 finals and took two medals, one gold and one bronze.
Denis Popescu revealed why he preferred the butterfly test: “I'm stupid with orientation. It's horror”
On Saturday, shortly after ranked 3rd in the 50 m butterfly, Popescu spoke about the performance:
“Yes, the second medal. I think any place was welcome because at 50, as I said every time, it was a lottery. You never know, it's a bit of luck. I always say it, it depends if something has not come out. It is everywhere a bit of luck, especially at 50, “said the 22 -year -old athlete, who is rather known because he swims in the back test.
“Theoretically I am a spatist, but I take advantage of the outdoor basins, meaning they take advantage of me at the back. Syou stupid with orientation. It's something horror, especially for me. That is why I am glad to have a back-up, butterfly, which apparently goes pretty well.
As you asked me, it is a motivation further in what I do, especially for Singapore, for the World Cup. I think we can make surprises there too, ”added Popescu.
Denis Popescu will compete in 4 evidence at the Singapore World Championships
Asked about the objectives he had for the Slovak competition, the double medalist from Samorin replied as follows:
“Yes, we had proposed to self -deny, to do everything in our power to be good. We were both self-defense, we certainly didn't expect. I don't want to underestimate myself so loud but I dreamed until it became reality. ”
Denis Popescu revealed that in Singapore, at the World Swimming Championships, he will compete in 4 samples (50 m back, 100 m back, 50 m butterfly and 100 m butterfly) and joked that he will have no excuse to compete in the back samples.
The World Cup will start over a month, on July 27, and will hold until August 3. Popescu spoke about the preparation period that remained:
“It will be quite difficult, but we will manage it with your head. We will not allow ourselves to celebrate. We need to stay focused. The World Cup comes and we want to prove what we can”, Said the 22 -year -old swimmer.
