David Popovici wins third consecutive 100m freestyle title in Paris; championship record 46.56

European Aquatics Championships 2026: David Popovici wins third consecutive 100m freestyle title in Paris

The Romanian chased down Egor Kornev in the final 10 metres to maintain his grip on the event at the continental championships.

It came down to the very last stroke.

Romania’s David Popovici won his third-straight continental title in the men’s 100 metres freestyle on Wednesday (12 August), out-touching Egor Kornev to maintain his dominance at the European Aquatics Championships 2026 in Paris, France.

Popovici’s time was 46.56, a championship record, with Kornev touching at 46.74. Kristof Milak took the bronze at 46.87.

“It feels good. It feels as if all of the training makes sense,” Popovici said afterwards. “I feel really good defending my title, it was a very fast and packed final with everyone involved.”

The Romanian entered as the heavy favourite as the European record holder, two-time defending champion, and reigning world champion. He won two medals at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 : gold in the men’s 200m freestyle and bronze in the 100m.

On Wednesday, Kornev led at the halfway mark. It was a lead that the 22-year-old held nearly to the end as Popovici chased him down to the wall. With just 10 metres to go, Kornev still held a slight advantage, but Popovici ultimately pushed past for the win.

The win, he says, adds to his motivation as he looks to LA28.

“Even more so, after the [Paris] Olympics I’ve had to find new ways to channel this hunger. I’ve had to find new channels of where to get it from, but it definitely gives me something to work to - this world record that I’m really close to,” Popovici explained. “And now I know way better than before what I need to work to achieve this goal.

“But at the same time, I can’t not be happy about this title.”

31 July - 16 August

European Aquatics Championships | Paris | France