How David Popovici convinced David Popovici not to withdraw from the World Cup. “It was essential”
After years of unmatched performances, gold medals and rewritten records, David Popovici (20 years old) continues to impress not only with his special talent, but also by the maturity with which he manages success, at an still early age.
David Popovici, along with his partner, Taisia Source/Instagram
The Romanian has just ticked a record, recently, becoming double gold medal at the World Natation Championships 2025, both at the hundred and 200 meters free.
Among the most important people who were with him in these key moments are Taisia Nițuleasa, his life partner. The two young people have been together for four years, their story being defined by trial moments, but endless by confidence and unconditional support.
“The world does not talk about difficult times!”
Taisia was present in Singapore, supporting David in one of the hardest moments in his career, when he wanted to withdraw from the competition. The young man felt a pressure and an indescribable fear, just before participating in the evidence.
“Three days before the contest started, I happened to have something I never happened, namely to be afraid. I wish to go home. I asked my father to announce everyone that I would not compete. I felt I couldn't continue. Too few people talk about these difficult times. And I couldn't have passed alone through this barrier. The people around me were essential, especially my girlfriend. You need a solid group around you to remind you that you deserve, that you are good enough! ”, David Popovici acknowledged after the World Cup.
The World Champion acknowledged that he entered the basin after a discussion with his girlfriend: “Once I went through qualifications, the sample that I consider the hardest, even though they are, in fact, only some qualifications, I managed to mobilize. I told Taisia, my girlfriend, even the day before the contest started, when I was still convinced that I will not swim, I will not. To go home, why do I feel disappointed, though?
And he told me he wouldn't be, because he wants to be happy and wants to be fine and do what I want, that she will be with me anyway. And I warned me that, most likely, I project my own thoughts on her and, in fact, I would be the one disappointed by myself if I did not give this chance to compete David Popovici told GSP.ro.
Who is Taisia Nițuleasa
Taisia and David Popovici met in adolescence, when they were both students in George Coșbuc High School. The young woman is a professional dancer, passionate about artistic makeup and contemporary art. Partner of a famous athlete, she has about 10,000 followers on Instagram, who are not passionate about swimming, but makeup, because Taisia makes demonstrations in this area, step by step.
In the few dates in which David Popovici spoke public about the relationship with Taisia, the world champion provided details about the beginnings of his relationship with the young woman. According to him, his girlfriend hardly accepted the training program and lack of attention from David, during official competitions. The young woman was extremely difficult to get used to the discipline and seriousness with which David has treated her profession, from the beginning.
“I support her, she supports me”
“It was not easy for Taisia to understand my program, to accept it, but he learned to support me. As hard as I am when I go with the weeks, on another continent, I understand me. I have great luck. This helps me to enjoy what I do, not to feel guilty.
Two days ago he entered a dance band. She did performance dance, now she gave an audition, something more serious. (…) I support it, she supports me. Now I can hardly wait to start this training regime too! ”, said David Popovici, at the state of the nation.
