Andreea Raducan
Andreea Raducan emerged as the star of the last day of competition in Tianjin, winning a gold and a silver medal. This was Andreea's first major competition as a senior, as the youngster from Barlad celebrated her 16th birthday in China. Last year, Andreea won two silver medals and a bronze at the Junior European Championships. Not at all overwhelmed by her rise to the top, a relaxed Andreea talked to us about her performance.
Did you expect these results?
If someone were to tell me I would win an individual gold medal in Tianjin, I would have laughed at them. Now, I realize it was actually possible.
Honestly, what were you hoping to achieve when you left for Tianjin?
First and foremost ,to help the team and have a good performance in the first part of the competition (team comp). After that, whatever happens, happens.
What's you favorite event?
Beam, then floor.
How did you start gymnastics?
I was 5 years old, and my dad took me to the gym. He didn't expect me to become a great gymnast, he just wanted me to exercise, find a way to channel my excess energy.
What happened after that?
A lot of work! In January 1996, I was selected to be on the Junior team, and I've been training at Deva for the past two years.
Could you tell us about your family?
My mother works in Barlad, in a textile factory. My brother, who is 3 years younger than me, is a defender for FEPA '74 Barlad -a local soccer team. I bought him a Puma soccer ball in Tianjin.
Do you like soccer?
No, I like figure skating and synchronized swimming.
When was the last time you went home?
1998. Maybe I'll get to go again this winter.
Were you ever injured?
Yes, I had a serious elbow injury in 1996. I had to have surgery and I couldn't train for 6 months.
Any comments about the silver medal you won on beam?
Well, there had to be a Chinese gold medalist at these Championships, right? I thought beam was my best chance to win a gold medal, but I guess my floor routine worked out pretty well.
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