ROMANIA - gymnasts news, photos etc. in 2009

[marocanu]

April 14, 2009 - "REPORTER ECONOMIC" has a new, extensive interview with ex-gymnast Simona Amânar Tabără of Romania.

Simona Amânar Tabără - Vice-President of the RGF

You represent a symbol of Romania and the life of an athlete requires many sacrifices. What was the price paid by Simona Amânar – the child - to become what Simona Amânar represents today?

Reaching a level where I am being considered a Romanian "symbol" makes it difficult for me to say that I have paid a price for it.
It is true that there were times when kids of age were playing in the streets (while I had to go to the gym for my daily gymnastics training)... Fortunately, I am an ex-gymnast who has also enjoyed childhood, said Simona. Until I turned 14, I had the privilege to be close to home, to my parents, spending lots of time with my brother and my friends. Then, I moved to Deva, being selected for the National gymnastics team of Romania.
At the same time, I realize that nothing in life can be accomplished without work and discipline. Therefore, today I can say that I am satisfied with everything that I have achieved so far.


You have won dozens of trophies. Which are your most precious ones?

I have to correct you here - kidding of course - but actually there are hundreds of trophies if you take into account all the major competitions that I attended. I am most proud of the two Olympic Games that I attended: Atlanta (in 1996) and then Sydney (in 2000). Both Olympics brought me gold medals that I enjoy very much.

I am a proud Worlds and Europeans champion. Another enjoyable accomplishment was my induction to the (Gymnastics) Hall of Fame.

I cannot really say that I have a favorite accomplishment… In January 2001, for example, in London, I was formally recognized worldwide by winning the 2000 Laureus World Sports Awards [The awards show is unofficially known as “the Oscars for the sports world.” At the 2000 World Sports Awards, gymnastics' Alexei Nemov and Amânar won male and female Athlete of the Year, respectively, for the athletic category, following their Olympic success.] Nadia Comaneci and I [Simona Amânar] are the only female gymnasts that ever received such an honor.

However, I will never forget the amazing memories of Sidney when practically Romania wowed the entire world by making the whole podium a Romanian one (gold, silver and bronze). Unfortunately, sad moments followed and our joy was altered…

In conclusion, I am proud of all the work that I have done in my entire professional career… of all the trophies that I have won… because all these accomplishments sum-up my honest work and my dedication and passion for this sport [gymnastics].

Simona Amânar Tabără - Vice-President of the RGF

What kind of individual did Simona Amânar become after retiring from gymnastics and what is she doing these days?

Simona Amânar has remained the same person. Kidding once again, I can tell you that to my last name I have added another one: Tabără (by marrying Cosmin Tabără in 2002) and that my figure is different than the one that I had as a gymnast.

Seriously now, I have the same character, the same respect for all the people with whom I’ve been collaborating during my career, for all the people with whom I’m currently working. Currently, I am a full-time Faculty member at the Physical Education and Sports College @ West University of Timişoara. I am also acting as the Vice-President of the RGF (Romanian Gymnastics Federation).


You stated that the Sydney Olympics represented the peak of your gymnastics career. What is the ultimate goal that you would like to achieve in your current profession/ career?

Sidney was and remains something very special to me. I never set a target for myself that needed to be achieved. I've set life principles that I want to always follow. For example, I've always wanted to take pride in my work, to complete a task to the best of my abilities basically. I’m looking for the quality aspect of the work that I perform and I am always striving for continuous improvement. This way, at some point, the results will show and they will be recognized. I am passionate about my work and I am convinced that I will always get (good) results!


You’re involved in many different activities, but all of them having something in common: gymnastics. If you were to choose something completely different from gymnastics, what would it be?

As you can see, my life is connected to gymnastics. I have spent almost 24 years in this sport, so practically my life cannot be separated from gymnastics. I am not attracted to politics, although there are famous Romanian politicians in our family (i.e. my father-in-law has been in the spotlight of Romanian politics for a while now). In the future however, I may contemplate more seriously the idea of opening a small business in the tourism or hotel industry… this idea is not for the near future but rather long term and it also depends on how our life is progressing.


This year you became the image of a company commercializing bio-cosmetics. Are you an environmentalist?

In a world full of aggressive competitors on the market, trying to direct consumers to all sorts of products (many of them impacting the human body), I considered that those seeking to market quality products, with bio/organic characteristics, deserve some help.
I prefer to live in a clean society, a green environment, and yes, I can say that I am in favor of those helping the environment. However, I won’t necessary label myself as an “environmentalist.”


Have you ever been involved in any environmental action/ event?

I took part in several events of this nature, at a local level. In addition, I am open to review proposals related to this topic if my image is needed to support the preservation of the environment.


In 1995 you became an “Honor citizen” of Constanţa city. Then in 1999 you received the same honor from the Municipality of Deva, and later from Bucharest and Timişoara. What meaning have those honors to you?

It's just recognition of my professional work, the impact that my results had to Romanian audience in general. I’m happy about this public recognition. Unfortunately, those honors are not smartly marketed by local officials towards developing those cities. My name is not used as an ambassador of the city for a specific project or mission (i.e. tourism). Instead, some local officials love to bust their own image by associating it with my name. And sadly I’m not the only one – the same thing often happens with other famous athletes, science personalities or artists receiving similar honor(s).



What’s a typical day like in the life of Olympic champion Simona Amânar?

Although I am extremely busy, I can say that I have a beautiful life and I am happy. I have a beautiful family, a wonderful child, and I'm surrounded by people that love me. I manage to share my time between family and work, between family and the daily activities.
Fortunately, the people around me are very supportive and understandable.



How are you able to juggle a professional career and a family life?

As I mentioned earlier, I am blessed by having the love and support of those around me: my family, my parents, and also my in-laws. I think that trust and mutual respect are the fundamentals of effectively managing a professional career and a personal life.


SOURCE: http://www.reportereconomic.ro/categorii/fol705132

Updated at http://www.reportereconomic.ro/categ...132/news253782


*** We already posted two previous extensive interviews with Simona Amânar Tabără:

1). Interview with SPORT Magazine (from October 7, 2007): http://www.sportm.ro/Sporturi/Gimnas...oua-viata.html

2). Interview with MONDO NEWS (from September 8, 2008) http://www.mondonews.ro/Simona-Amana...ne+id-544.html

VIDEO at: http://www.acasatv.ro/noutati-acasa/...u-iubirea.html

***** Some additional articles with updates on Simona Amânar Tabără (and pictures) at:

http://www.cotidianul.ro/simona_aman...tar-75645.html (March 2009)

http://www.telegrafonline.ro/1220043...n_olimpic.html (August 2008)

http://www.cugetliber.ro/1219870800/...r-de-greu8221/ (August 2008)

http://www.click.ro/Click_de_Duminic...n-curtea-casei (June 2008)

[cgallet1]

Originally Posted by marocanu

Steliana Nistor was "honored" properly last year, before the Beijing Olympics.

Stela and Sandra Izbasa were the only female gymnasts included on the
Photo Gallery organized by Biz Magazine at Baneasa Shopping City in Bucharest, Romania (August 8-24, 2008)...
The Gallery was called "Campionii României" (Champions of Romania).

Both Romanian gymnasts had their billboards posted on the Mall during August 8-24, 2008:


Steliana Nistor @ Biz Photo Gallery - "Campionii României" (August 2008)


Sandra Izbasa @ Biz Photo Gallery - "Campionii României" (August 2008)

VIDEO with the "Making of" this Photo Gallery at: http://www.bizcity.ro/campionii/making-of.php


Lots of pictures from the photoshoot were already posted at:

http://www.intlgymnast.com/forum/sho...stor#post91458

Glad to hear Steliana was recognized in Romania for her achievements last year.

Switching topics- do you know if Sandra plans to be a beam and floor specialist for the rest of this quad (once her foot heals) or is it just temporary? She did compete vault and bars at Nadia's meet but not with full difficulty and I think the rest of her competitions so far have been just two events.

[marocanu]

Originally Posted by cgallet1

Switching topics- do you know if Sandra plans to be a beam and floor specialist for the rest of this quad (once her foot heals) or is it just temporary? She did compete vault and bars at Nadia's meet but not with full difficulty and I think the rest of her competitions so far have been just two events.

Can't say for sure, but on the latest PRO SPORT interview, the technical staff mentioned Sandra for BB and FX for the upcoming Nationals on September... no comments on AA or anything else...

I'll certainly keep you posted as updates become available somewhere.

[marocanu]

April 27, 2009 - ADEVARUL has an article-interview dedicated today to the Romanian coach Nicolae Forminte.


Coach Nicolae Forminte of Romania

Forminte started gymnastics when he was 8 years old.
He came to DEVA about 15 years ago and he's the Romanian National team coach (WAG) since 2005.

DOB: October 17, 1956
B.A. Physical Education and Sports - Bucharest
Experience: 30+ years
Married, one son

Nicolea Forminte is doing "lab work" @ Deva and doesn't keep count of the number of medals earned by his gymnasts.

He believes that most of the people (Romanians) do not understand the sacrifices of a gymnasts (needed to be made in order to obtain great performance/s) and the "real problems" that the Romanian gymnastics is facing.


"We live under the terror of comparisons."

Forminte stays in Deva 24/7 and he goes gome, to Constanţa, once every 6 weeks for one weekend only.
He spends about 6-7 hours daily on the Gym, with the girls, training. In addition, he has other tasks to manage (i.e. training plans, the gymnasts' health problems, contingency plans if things do not work out well etc.).

Forminte's work requires high responsabilities and his salary is similar to one of a Romanian teacher [not much!]).

One of the reasons that explains the current crisis in the Romanian gymnastics is, per Forminte, the lack of motivation for coaches (nationwide).
Everyone has huge expectations from gymnastics and lots of Romanians belive that gymnastics is like the "hen with golden eggs..."
However, only few people know about the deep transformations and changes, as well as the obstacles that the technical staff is facing on a daily base.

"We live under the terror of comparisons and we have to face every problem as it occurs, on the spot... with respect to the funds (financial aspect), I personally survive using my own savings." (Nicolae Forminte)


"There is basically no selection"

Today, the interest for gymnastics decreased because kids have so many options, alternatives to choose from... The generations trained by Forminte starting with 2005 are formed by gymnasts born "free," after the Romanian Revolution of 1989 [Prior to this, Romania was a Communist country]...
They have different mentalities... there are biological changes too and the "pool" of gymnasts shrinked significantly over the years...

The gymnastics coaches are paid poorly, so there is no selection in schools... To have a "future" in gymnastics, per Forminte, you need to descover new talent all the time, on a regular base!

To be able to collect the needed funds, coach Forminte often used his own networking skills, having friends sponsoring the National gymnastics team when possible... But this is not a "permanent" solution and Forminte suggest that there is need for regulation to attract investments in sports, in gymnastics.


What's needed for the Romanian gymnastics?

There is a need for a national strategy to develop and stimulate the physical education nationwide; an inventory of the resources (human talent and financial resources). There is a critical need of motivation for the technicians because if not, one day, you may have a Gym with all the utilities necessary, but empty... because there are less and less poeple willing to make sacrificies for free... working as a volunteer basically...


The secret of a successful coach?

WORK, A GOOD HEALTH AND some LUCK!

As a coach, you can only train and then facilitate the context, you can only bring a gymnast into the medals' "zone..." One a competition starts, everything depends on a blink of an eye... A gymnasts can perfomr a billion perfect routines on the Gym during practice... And then she's making one single mistake... during the competition (when it actually counts!)...


How's Romania perceived during the competitions?

"Look at those who are not ready to die (yet)!" In the past, per Forminte, Romania had a friendly perception from the West... because the old USSR...

Now, the world is looking with interest to the newcomers (i.e. Australia, Japan, Swiss, France).

If you add to this reason the position lost wit the FIG, then you're being robbed with no remorse, upfront.


What he [Forminte] doesn't like

Stupidity, superficiality... things done without plannning, without structure and purpose... He hates to beg, to KA... This may be the reason that he's always fighting, defending his ideas... He'll always be poor too (can't get rich this way, he believes).


What he [Forminte] likes

Coach Nicolae Forminte has no regrets... he doesn't want to change anything in his past.
He loves what he's doing, he has a passion for his work - otherwise, he would have give it up a long time ago and would have left the country, working abroad.


SOURCE: http://www.adevarul.ro/rss/articol/h...or-de-aur.html

-
Nicolae Forminte and his son (at their Constanţa home in 2007)

[marocanu]

Dear IG Forum colleagues,

Before opening a new thread for the 2009 Romanian updates (this one is already too long), I am planning on removing some of the postings from this thread that are not necessary "news" of 2009 or 2008… my own ones.

Do not panic! Those "removed" postings won’t “vanish” but rather be simply moved (reposted) on a NEW thread tentatively titled “Reunions: Romanian gymnasts” (so various time frames can be covered here).

Thank you kindly for your patience during this “transition.”

[mandusky]

Originally Posted by marocanu

Dear IG Forum colleagues,

Before opening a new thread for the 2009 Romanian updates (this one is already too long), I am planning on removing some of the postings from this thread that are not necessary "news" of 2009 or 2008… my own ones.

Do not panic! Those "removed" postings won’t “vanish” but rather be simply moved (reposted) on a NEW thread tentatively titled “Reunions: Romanian gymnasts” (so various time frames can be covered here).

Thank you kindly for your patience during this “transition.”

All your hard work is greatly appreciated!!

I love being able to keep up on the happenings of many of the gymnasts I grew up watching, so I just wanted to thank you for it because I'd never be able to do it myself!!

[KaylaIs]

Originally Posted by mandusky

All your hard work is greatly appreciated!!

I love being able to keep up on the happenings of many of the gymnasts I grew up watching, so I just wanted to thank you for it because I'd never be able to do it myself!!

My thoughts exactly.

Really, especially after the disappearance of Triple Full, this is primary method of getting news about the Romanians.

[marocanu]

Friday 24 April 2009 - "The GUARDIAN" created an online profile for ROMANIA:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/country-profile/romania

Country profile: Romania
Facts and statistics on Romania including history, population, politics, geography, economy, religion and climate

Someone comented earlier and pointed out that Steliana Nistor was not "honored" during a recent event sponsored by a small,
private auto company based in Bucharest, Romania...

Well, reading the country profile that "The Guardian" created for Romania, it was my turn probably to be surprized by the content
of the following paragraph/ section:

"Living national icons:"
Andrei Codrescu (writer), Petru Popescu (writer and film maker),
Liviu Ciulei (theatre and film director), Angela Gheorghiu (opera singer),
Constantina Tomescu-Dita (athletics ), Sandra Raluca Izbasa (gymnast), Adrian Mutu, Cristian Chivu (footballers)"

SOURCE, once again: http://www.guardian.co.uk/country-profile/romania

Well, my hat goes off for the great accomplishments of Romanian gymnast Sandra Raluca Izbaşa (while the two soccer players listed
are pretty famous too, particularly in Europe... to remain strictly on the "sports" arena).


Sandra Raluca Izbaşa - 2008 Olympic champion in Beijing (FX)

In the same time, however, I can not stop questioning why this "selection" has not included another true "National icon" who's pretty well "alive"
and recognized worldwide: NADIA Comăneci for example... and so MANY other Romanian athletes who are actively and consistently involved
in promoting the image of Romania in the entire world... wheather or not they are actually living in the country currently (this didn't seem to be
a criteria as some of the names listed include Romanians living abroad)...

Nadia Comăneci

Just a thought...

[ECorn]

Originally Posted by marocanu

Friday 24 April 2009 - "The GUARDIAN" created an online profile for ROMANIA:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/country-profile/romania

Country profile: Romania
Facts and statistics on Romania including history, population, politics, geography, economy, religion and climate

Someone comented earlier and pointed out that Steliana Nistor was not "honored" during a recent event sponsored by a small,
private auto company based in Bucharest, Romania...

Well, reading the country profile that "The Guardian" created for Romania, it was my turn probably to be surprized by the content
of the following paragraph/ section:

"Living national icons:"
Andrei Codrescu (writer), Petru Popescu (writer and film maker),
Liviu Ciulei (theatre and film director), Angela Gheorghiu (opera singer),
Constantina Tomescu-Dita (athletics ), Sandra Raluca Izbasa (gymnast), Adrian Mutu, Cristian Chivu (footballers)"

SOURCE, once again: http://www.guardian.co.uk/country-profile/romania

Well, my hat goes off for the great accomplishments of Romanian gymnast Sandra Raluca Izbaşa (while the two soccer players listed
are pretty famous too, particularly in Europe... to remain strictly on the "sports" arena).


Sandra Raluca Izbaşa - 2008 Olympic champion in Beijing (FX)

In the same time, however, I can not stop questioning why this "selection" has not included another true "National icon" who's pretty well "alive"
and recognized worldwide: NADIA Comăneci for example... and so MANY other Romanian athletes who are actively and consistently involved
in promoting the image of Romania in the entire world... wheather or not they are actually living in the country currently (this didn't seem to be
a criteria as some of the names listed include Romanians living abroad)...

Just a personal, subjective thought...

That's so cool that they included Sandra! I agree with you it's a bit odd that they didn't include Nadia (and others). I do think that for some reason Nadia is less famous here than in a lot of other countries. However, Sandra is very popular at the moment, especially coming off the Olympics. Her floor music is a VERY popular choice amongst little British gymnasts.

[KaylaIs]

Yeah, that's strange that they didn't at least include Nadia. She is much more famous than Sandra (bless the latter's heart).

Alas...