Romanian swimmer David Popovici said on Friday night, after winning gold in the 200m freestyle at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris, that he controlled the race from start to finish and that the victory was built on keeping full control and staying calm throughout.

'I would have liked to go 1:43, I was very close, but I won't let that take away from the joy of defending both my 100 and 200m titles. I've done the double three times now and I'm very happy. Because I'm the only one in history who succeeded that, I'm extremely pleased,' Popovici said.

He explained that he felt in command at every stage of the race.

'I controlled this race from end to end. I don't think there was a moment when anyone was ahead of me. It's all about control and keeping calm at the finish,' the European champion said.

Popovici also spoke about the break that follows the end of the competition, noting that he will finally have more time for family and close friends.

'I know it sounds commonplace, but I'll finally have a dinner with my people and my family, where - for the first time this season - I won't have to rush to bed for morning training. There will be many months spent with loved ones, relaxing, going to bed a bit later. Again, maybe it sounds commonplace, but this is our world,' he said.

The Romanian swimmer added that he intends to enjoy his time off and return next season in the best possible shape.

'I'll ride my motorbike a lot, I'll drive around, and I'll take care of my noggin, so I come back healthier and stronger next season,' Popovici said.

Following his success in Paris, Popovici now holds six European titles, and hopes to add more at the next edition.

'Yes, now I'm a six-time European champion. But how would 'eight-time' sound - octuple, if that's the word? So let's hope that in two years I'll be an eight-time European champion. From this competition, the 100m gold was much harder, so it meant a lot to me,' he concluded.

Popovici won the 200m freestyle in 1:44.15, ahead of Lithuania's Tomas Navikonis (1:44.55) and Britain's James Guy (1:44.87). He also took gold in the 100m freestyle, setting a championship record of 46.56. With the Paris results, he becomes the first swimmer to complete the 100 - 200m freestyle double at three consecutive European Championships: Rome 2022, Belgrade 2024 and Paris 2026. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Adrian Tone; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)

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