Thorpe hails new king of the pool

IAN Thorpe has anointed the European teenage swim sensation tipped to become the sport’s next global superstar after seeing him capture his first world title.

Watching from the stands in Budapest, the Aussie legend was so impressed after seeing Romania’s David Popovici destroy his opponents to win the 200 metres freestyle final that he asked FINA to let him present the gold medal.

He got his wish, as Popovici announced his arrival on the global stage with a dominant display eerily similar to the way Thorpe used to demolish his rivals – including winning his first world title at 15.

“I actually met him two days ago,” Popovici (pictured) said. “I had the honour to meet him and we talked for a while and he said to me that if I win, he’s going to t try and present the t medal at the ceremony. c

“I don’t know if i that was planned p or not but b he kept his promise and it was an honour to shake his hand being on top of the podium hearing my national anthem.”

The 17-year-old turned the final into a one-man race, winning in 1:43.21.

He obliterated his own world junior record and not only was his time two seconds faster than Thorpe at the same age, it was faster than Thorpedo’s best for 200m over his entire career.

“I’d love to talk to him some more and get some more insight,” Popovici said.

“He’s been in my place, or a bigger place than me breaking world records, at a young age so I know I have a lot to learn from him.”

Australia’s newly crowned 400m world champion Elijah Winnington finished eighth after ditching the 800m to give himself a better chance of staying with Popovici but admitted he was unable to match his breathtaking speed.

“He’s an unbelievably talented swimmer,” Winnington said. “I’m going to go home not to watch my race, but to watch him do what he did.”