“Just a Hungry Little Kid”: Michael Phelps Weighs in on 17-Year-Old Swimmer Who Is Threatening His Records

Michael Phelps has dominated the pool like no one else. Having won 28 Olympic medals over the course of five Olympics, he is the world’s most decorated Olympian. A feat that is rarely achieved, Phelps, in his professional tenure, has broken many records. It has been years since he retired from the pools, yet his achievements to date remains unmatched.

However, there is one young talent from Romania, who perhaps can give Phelps a tough competition. Just “a couple of tenths,” away from breaking Phelps’ record, the young talent already has the swimming GOAT’s attention!

Michael is keeping a close eye

Ever since David Popovici claimed a world record by reaching the 100-meter freestyle finishing line in 46.86 seconds, the world started to talk about him. The young star broke the record that Cesar Cielo had held earlier. Furthermore, earlier this year, he was also crowned the world Champion in the 100m and 200m freestyle events.

Rising on the success ladder slowly but surely, the young star now has got the attention of Phelps himself. While attending the ‘Sports Tomorrow’ event in Paris, Phelps spoke greatly about the rising talent. Speaking about him, Phelps was quoted as saying, “He’s just a hungry little kid.”

Read More: “Looking at That as a Benchmark”: Swimming Legend Whose Records Michael Phelps Broke, Believed 28-Time Olympic Medalist Will Also, Be Taken Over by Young Generation.

Impressed by his zest to win, he further added, “He’s eager to be the best, to break the world record, and obviously, he’s within a couple of tenths.” However, in good humor, Phelps cheekily said that he will try to “Keep the record for one more year to go to 21 years.” If Popovici does not jeopardize Michaels’ hope, then Phelps will be claiming one more record to himself. 

Michael Phelps can connect with David

For Phelps, David is not just a contender for breaking his title. He is someone with whom he can connect as well. Showering praise, Phelps compliments the young swimmer by saying he is a “great racer.” Furthermore, the competitiveness that David displays also reminds Phelps of his young days!

Thus, he eagerly awaits his performance in the 2023 World Championship and the Paris Olympics. Also, during the said event, Phelps expressed his hopes that Popovici would breach the 1:42 barrier in the 200-meter freestyle for the first time, breaking Paul Biedermann’s super-suit record from 2009.

Watch This Story:  Legendary Michael Phelps vs. 17-year-old ‘Chlorine Daddy’ David Popovici: Who’s faster?

Now, whether or not David  Popovici can script history? Well, that is for the future to decide!