The 19-year-old, who made headlines by winning the 100m and 200m freestyle double at the 2022 World Championships, finished in 1:44.72, just ahead of Richards' 1:44.74. American Luke Hobson secured the bronze with a time of 1:44.79 in a thrilling conclusion.

This win marks Popovici's first Olympic medal, after finishing fourth in Tokyo, demonstrating his top form leading into Paris. "I feel amazing, it's great to be here, so many Romanians in the crowd," he said.

"It's a dream come true. I don't think words can describe it. It's so simple, yet so beautiful." He had to work hard for the win as Germany's Lukas Maertens, who won the 400m gold medal on Saturday, led through the first 150m.

However, Popovici, known for his strong finishing, clawed back to touch first in a thrilling finale. "I knew going into that last turn that we were all together," said Richards. "I could see that there was a big bunch of us and that it was going to be a real scrap down that last 50."

Richards initially thought he had won but was content with second place. "Unfortunately, it didn't quite go my way but at the same time, I'm an Olympic silver medallist," he said. "It's huge for me, individually. I've got to learn from all of that."

Hobson claimed bronze, his first Olympic medal. "I couldn't be happier," said the 21-year-old. "It was a really close race and I gave it everything I had in the last 50 metres."

Maertens finished fifth, while Britain's Tokyo silver medallist Duncan Scott came in fourth.