Evaluating Popovici’s 46.71 to Pan’s 46.40 100 Free World File

Lower than 24 hours in the past, former 100 freestyle world report holder David Popovici took over the world lead with a scorching 46.71. The time was quicker than his earlier world report, the quickest on the planet this 12 months, and now stands because the second-fastest efficiency in historical past behind Pan Zhanle‘s 46.40 from the Paris Olympic last.

These two look to be each the current and the long-term way forward for the occasion. Each are 20 years outdated and will stay key gamers within the sport for a number of extra Olympic cycles. Whereas there are different contenders within the occasion, we needed to take an in depth take a look at how Pan and Popovici’s races examine, who was stronger in every section of the race, and what Popovici may nonetheless enhance, at the very least on paper, to make one other push for the world report.

First, we’ll begin with Pan’s world report from Paris and break down the numbers.

Race Abstract

Race Particulars

Subsequent, let’s dive into how Popovici’s race unfolded.

Race Abstract

Race Particulars

Now, let’s take a better take a look at how the 2 races stack up towards one another.

Key Instances

Cumulative Splits

25m Splits

50m Splits 

Flip Instances (45m to 65m)

Stroke Counts

Measurement Averages

Velocity Graph

Stroke Fee Graph

Distance-Per-Stroke Graph

Popovici closed quicker than Pan, splitting 23.98 on the second 50 in comparison with Pan’s 24.12. That made Popovici the primary swimmer to ever to shut a 100 free in underneath 24 seconds. Popovici additionally had a smaller drop-off from his first 50 to second 50, 1.25 seconds in comparison with Pan’s 1.84, displaying higher back-half management. His distance per stroke was barely greater at 2.45 meters in comparison with Pan’s 2.44, and he was quicker on each the third 25, 11.47 to 11.49, and the ultimate 25, 12.51 to 12.63.

Popovici’s pure velocity has been trending upward all year long. He broke 22 seconds within the particular person 50 free for the primary time on the Romanian Nationals in April, posting a 21.83 for a brand new Romanian report, and adopted that up with a 21.86 this week. That emphasis suggests he’s totally conscious it’s an space that should enhance.

Pan’s opening 50 was 22.28 in comparison with Popovici’s 22.73, and the largest hole got here on the second 25, the place Popovici was 0.36 seconds slower. That margin alone was wider than the general distinction between their last occasions. Mixed with a slower flip at 9.44 versus Pan’s 9.23, the second 25 and wall are clearly the place Popovici misplaced floor.

Pan’s response time was barely higher at 0.62 to 0.63, and he had the faster last 5 meters at 2.38 in comparison with Popovici’s 2.53. He additionally coated extra distance underwater at 10.45 meters versus the Romanian’s 10.30. Pan held a better common stroke fee at 52.52 in comparison with Popovici’s 51.08, and maintained a barely higher common velocity of two.16 meters per second to Popovici’s 2.14.

By way of race construction, Pan swam 48.02% of his time on the entrance half and 51.98% on the again. Popovici was barely extra back-loaded at 48.66% out and 51.34% again. Pan’s quickest 25m break up was his first (10.01), and slowest was the ultimate 25m (12.63). Popovici’s quickest was additionally his first (10.10), and slowest his second 25m (12.63)..

Watch each swims right here:

Pan’s 46.40 world report, obtainable through the official Olympics YouTube channel:

Popovici’s 46.71, obtainable through SwimSphereTV on YouTube:

Particular due to Dušan Danilović of the Slovenian Swimming Federation for his vital contributions to this text.