By Retta Race on SwimSwam
Olympic champion David Popovici has revealed that the annual ‘Swim with the Stars’ meet is headed to his native Romania for the first time ever.
The thrilling racing opportunity is slated for the Otopeni Swimming Complex on January 17, 2026.
As announced on Popovici’s social media:
“We are incredibly proud to announce that for the first time ever, SWTS is going international in 2026!
In 2023 @chlorinedaddy took part in his first SWTS event in London and instantly saw the impact our events have on the next generation of swimmers and now, after being crowned an Olympic Champion, David is hosting his very own SWTS in Romania.
– Otopeni Swimming Complex
– 17 January 2026
– Coming Soon
This is a once in a lifetime event for swimmers and spectators alike. We are also delighted to be working with some incredible Sponsors & Partners to make this event truly memorable.
More details will be coming very soon, make sure to be following @sprintwiththestars for important updates and entry details 
”
Sprint with the Stars, typically held in Great Britain, offers age-group swimmers the chance to race against some of the world’s best swimmers. At the event, the nine fastest racers in each age group progress from heats to the Showcase Finals. Those finals feature one of the ‘Stars’ who will be chased down following an age-related head start.
Past editions of the meet have showcased stars to the tune of Adam Peaty, James Guy, Katie Shanahan, Casper Corbeau and Marrit Steenbergen.
Although with a different twist on the actual finals format, Sprint with the Stars is akin to Peaty’s AP Race London competition. The latter meet focuses on attracting international talent but also hosts a series of junior finals to give the age group set a chance to race in the same pool as their elite counterparts.
Read the full story on SwimSwam: David Popovici Set To Host 2026 Sprint With The Stars In Romania
