Richards was a part of Nice Britain’s 4x200m relay staff that received gold in Tokyo, as was Scott, however this was his first particular person Olympic medal.
Richards received the 2023 world title final 12 months however had not but hit prime type in Paris.
He and Scott have been within the 100m freestyle relay quartet that completed fifth on day one and his middling semi-final time left him in an outdoor lane, the place the waves are larger and fast occasions are hardly ever achieved.
However he overcame that expertly and was in rivalry for a medal all through.
Popovici, who introduced himself in 2022, aged 17, by profitable the 100m and 200m gold on the World Championships, appeared to be struggling in the beginning of the fourth and closing size however he dug deep to win in 1:44.72.
“I misjudged the semi-final a bit,” Richards mentioned. “Being on the market meant I used to be just a little bit out of the race and I needed to swim alone.
“It’s all studying. I would like one other 10 years earlier than even interested by hanging the goggles up.”
Scott was bidding for a seventh Olympic medal, one other to go along with his relay gold and 5 silvers, however was crushed to bronze by 0.08secs.
“Fourth is a horrible place to come back,” the Scot mentioned.
“I used to be buzzing going into that, had actually good enjoyable in there, and looking out again I perhaps ought to have pushed it on a bit earlier. It was actually tight, got here right down to the end and I did not fairly have it in the present day.”
Such is Britain’s energy in depth on this occasion, Olympic champion Tom Dean was crushed by Richards and Scott on the trials in April and did not qualify.
The trio will now unite on Tuesday as they bid to defend their relay title, first within the morning heats, though Richards or Scott could possibly be rested earlier than a possible closing at 21:01 BST.
Richards additionally has the 100m freestyle beginning on Tuesday, by which he’ll hope to be among the many medals once more.
“Myself and Duncan, second and fourth, I’m gutted for him, simply lacking out on a medal,” Richards mentioned.
“It bodes rather well for the 4x200m.”
