It’s been more than a month since the disastrous qualifications at the 2015 Worlds, when Romania finished 13th, and the the first significant measures are taken. The next important competition will be the Rio test event in April 2016, the final chance to secure a team spot at the Olympics. First, Mariana Bitang and Octavian Bellu are back as coaches, starting with the 14th of December. Then, the team was moved to Bucharest, from Izvorani. A selection was done and 12 athletes will be training for the Olympics. It was specified that the gymnasts were chosen mainly based on the status of their health.
Here are the 12 gymnasts that are training for Rio:
Larisa Iordache Catălina Ponor Diana Bulimar Andreea Iridon Laura Jurcă Anda Butuc Andreea Ciurusniuc Ana Maria Ocolişan Denisa Stanciu Dora Vulcan Maria Holbură Silvia Zarzu
Five gymnasts that were sent to Deva
Andreea Muntean Asiana Peng Ştefania Stănilă Ştefania Orzu Cristina Vrabie
Two gymnasts were sent home:
Paula Tudorache Ioana Nicoară
Also, coaches Lacramioara and Cristian Moldovan have resigned a few days ago, thus the coaches of the national team are:
Maria Bitang head coach Octavian Bellu head coach Lucian Sandu coach Adela Popa coach Ioan Coroiu coach Maria Fumea choreographer
Source: Prosport
Article & Photo: Bea Gheorghisor