Romanian swimming prodigy David Popovici has inked a major sponsorship deal with automation leader UiPath, positioning the Olympic champion as the company’s Global Ambassador through 2029. The partnership will fuel Popovici’s campaign toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics while showcasing UiPath’s commitment to supporting world-class talent.
From Teen Phenom to Olympic Glory
David Popovici’s meteoric rise reads like a sports fairy tale. The 20-year-old from Bucharest exploded onto the international scene as a teenager, rewriting swimming history at the 2022 World Championships. His unprecedented sweep of both the 100m and 200m freestyle events marked the first time in 49 years that any male swimmer had achieved this feat, instantly establishing him as swimming’s next superstar.
The young Romanian didn’t stop there. At the 2022 European Championships, he dominated the freestyle sprints, claiming double gold while shattering the 100m freestyle world record. His performance in the 200m also set a new world junior standard, proving his versatility across distances.
Paris 2024 became Popovici’s coronation. After finishing fourth in the 200m freestyle at the Tokyo Olympics three years earlier, he returned with vengeance, capturing Olympic gold in the same event. His bronze medal in the 100m freestyle further solidified his status among the sport’s elite.
Technology Meets Athletic Excellence
UiPath’s Daniel Dines sees striking parallels between elite athletics and cutting-edge technology. “David’s success stems from his ability to integrate every aspect of performance – physical preparation, mental fortitude, technical precision, and recovery protocols,” the CEO observed. “At UiPath, we’re building similar integration through agentic orchestration, where humans, AI agents, and automated systems work in perfect harmony. David embodies the relentless pursuit of excellence that drives our innovation.”
The partnership extends beyond traditional sponsorship. Popovici will serve as a visible ambassador for UiPath, appearing at corporate events and sharing his journey with the company’s global community.
Mutual Inspiration
The collaboration resonates deeply with Popovici, who recognises kindred spirits in UiPath’s approach to innovation. “Excellence isn’t accidental – it requires vision, commitment, and the courage to push boundaries,” he explained. “UiPath creates an environment where breakthrough thinking flourishes, where people are empowered to build transformative technology. This partnership inspires me because we share the same relentless drive to be the best in the world.”