Pop started sailing at 8 after his primary school added sailing into the course which was mandatory for all 4th graders to complete.

He found sailing so enjoyable and peaceful until that one day he capsized in the storm during his second regatta of his life and scared himself so badly he wanted to quit, however, his mum encouraged him to overcome his fears and keep sailing.

By 10 he became part of the Optimist national team and later in the ILCA where he has been pursuing his Olympic dream as a frequent gold fleet sailor at world championships.

Nowadays, Pop coaches aspiring sailors and passes on his in depth knowledge when he isn't practicing his swings on the gold course.