Andreea Raducan's Biography

Andreea Madalina Raducan was born in Barlad on September 30, 1983.
She began her gymnastics career at CSS Barlad & has been a member of
the national team since 1997. In 1996 she was the junior national champion
& in 1999 did very well again, placing 2nd. at nationals. At her first Worlds
in 1999, she exceeded almost everyones expectations, placing 5th. all-around,
taking the silver on beam & the gold on floor. She easily made the 2000
Olympic team. Currently, Andreea is 4'9" tall & weighs 82 pounds (1,45m
& 37kg). Andreea's first Olympic experience is one that she, nor the rest of
the gymnastics world will ever forget. Andreea, who originally won the gold
medal in the all-around, had her medal taken away due to a positive drug
test. Apparently, before the competition, Andreea asked the team doctor to
give her some cold medicine & it turned out that the medicine given to her
had a drug in it that was banned by the IOC, thus Andreea lost her medal.
Simona Amanar took her place as Olympic Champion while their other
teammate Maria Olaru was moved up to the silver medal position. After
many appeals, the Romanian team was unsuccessful in trying to get Andreea's
medal back. Andreea did however vow to stay in the sport & show the world
again that  she's deserving of the gold medal. The outpouring of support for
Andreea in Romania & around the world has been amazing...with everyone
believing it was the wrong decision by the IOC.


                                   last updated: October 6, 2000