The Romanian is, however, well aware that millions in his homeland - as well as from around the world - describe him in much more glowing terms, such has been the impact of his performances in the pool, but also the personality he has shown out of it.

For those in need of a short recap, in 2022 the then 17-year-old Popovici recorded a clean sweep of the World and European 100m as well as 200m freestyle titles – at both senior and junior level – in the stunning breakout year.

It also saw him set a new 100m free world record (46.86), beating the previous mark of 46.91, which had stood since the ‘super-suit’ era in 2009.

The following 12 months presented challenges, though, as he failed to win any honours at the 2023 Worlds in Fukuoka, before the swimmer claimed just a solitary bronze at the European short course Championships in his homeland.

However, the Romanian delivered a timely pre-Olympic return to form by defending his two European crowns in Belgrade last month. His 100m time—46.88 secs—was the third quickest in history.

“It gave me a lot of confidence being able to race these times with almost no taper at all and yeah, it ‘pumped’ me,” he tells World Aquatics.

A Champion In And Out Of The Water

Perhaps the only thing more striking than Popovici’s latest medal-winning achievements is the modesty he has consistently shown in the moments after attaining said successes.

“I’ve never really liked the term ‘superstar’ or ‘celebrity’ as other people call me,” he tells World Aquatics.

“It’s true that a lot of people know me in Romania because of the swimming I do, or maybe the charity work and other public things I’m involved with, but I would say I just try to do as much good as I can with the exposure I get.

“I guess being famous, or a little famous is cool at times when people recognise you and you get called on the news and people want pictures with you, but really that makes no difference in the world.”

A significant charitable act in his homeland saw Popovici melt down one of his historic World Championship medals from Budapest 2022, with the metal used to create 100 gold bows which symbol the fight against childhood cancer.

“Doing some of the charity work I’m really involved with, be it the ‘kids with cancer’ project or building homes for people who didn’t get the same chances as us, I really believe in it,” Popovici tells World Aquatics.

“I’d say I’m prouder of that than anything else I do (in the pool).”

‘Hiding’ From Frame And Switching Off Social Media

Having recently returned to form, the Romanian now feels comfortable discussing some of the challenges he faced in 2023, a year where he struggled to manage his increased fame and the demands that popularity brought.

“Before, I was a little bit famous in Romania; let's say three or four out of 10 people recognised me; now it’s 10 out of 10,” he reveals.

“Everywhere, in restaurants, on the street and at first it was very fun because I think everyone has a little part of themselves which wants to be a little famous and have people stopping them on the street.

“But when it got tiring, in 2023, I came up with the solution to simply stop any exposure, stop going on TV shows, stop doing interviews, just when it’s necessary like here, so don’t do anything extra and that really worked out. 

“I have a personal (social media) account with maybe 30 followers which are my friends, with my main accounts sort of under the radar now because even though it’s only positive attention that I receive there, I think that’s the most dangerous because if it’s in too much quantity it can really get to your head.”

Seeking An Historic Romanian Gold In Paris

Popovici is somewhat coy when asked about how he views Paris, insisting he will “try to approach it like any other event” he has trained for.

However, when pushed it’s clear what he is focused on at his second Games, having finished fourth in the 200m freestyle at the age of 16, at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

He will also head to France aware of the face that no Romanian man has ever won an Olympic swimming gold medal.

“Since the last Olympics, I spoke about going to the first Olympics for experience and now I’ve got the experience I can only look towards even bigger things at the next Olympics,” he tells World Aquatics.

“(To make that possible) I now focus more on myself and my mental health and taking care of myself on a personal and professional plan as well, that’s really made me more content with swimming and who I am and made me more peaceful.”

In addition to facing the likes of Kyle Chalmers (AUS), Matt Richards (GBR), Maxime Grousset (FRA) and Alexy Jack (USA) in Paris, Popovici will also face China’s new 100m freestyle world record holder Pan Zhanle, who set a new mark of 46.80 at Doha 2024.

“When I found out that it had been lowered (by 0.06 secs), I was a little taken aback, but then it got me very hyped and eager to get as close to it as possible and maybe lower it in the future,” he says.

“I just got really close when I wasn’t really expecting it (at the European Championships) so I guess I’ve just got to trust myself more, (as) I’m getting close to it. 

“It’s good to maybe be more of an underdog than before, even though I’m still one of the favourites in the world, I’m not the first one, I’m not the fastest one yet, so that really motivates me.”