Romanian swimmer David Popovici, 17, breaks world record in 100 freestyle

The world record in the men's 100 meter freestyle was set in the same pool more than a decade ago.

The time of 46.91 set by Brazil's César Cielo at the world championships in Rome in 2009, which was also held at Foro Italico, was the fastest time in the history of the event.

At the last major international meet in 2009, Cielo set his record. It was the longest recorded in the event's history.

One of the sport's young stars now owns it.

Popovici said there was no rush and he had to be patient. It has hurt, but it is always worth it. It was a pleasure to break this record.

There are eight men's long-course standards that remain from the rubber-suit era. There were five of those set in the year 2009.

Popovici went out in 22.74 and set the record at 24.12 on the return lap to easily beat Kristf Milk. The bronze went to Italy's Alessandro Miressi.

"It was great to swim next to David, he was a pleasure to swim next to," Milk said. The crazy genius of the freestyle that I am in is the same one that David is. His name will get a lot of attention for a long time.

Caeleb Dressel, winner of five gold medals at last summer's Tokyo Games, will come in as the reigning gold medal winner in the 100 free at the Paris Olympics.

The golds in the 100 and 200 free were won by Popovich. He wasn't able to swim the 100 against Dressel, who dropped out of the event for health reasons.

The world-record holder in the 200 fly is hoping to be part of the freestyle mix in Paris.

"My goal is very clear," Milk stated. I want to swim a time that is close to 47 seconds to get to Paris in time for the Olympics.