in Deva & has been on the national team since 1996. In 1999 Maria became
a real strength on the Romanian team, beating the "team leader" Simona
Amanar a number of times. If the age rule hadn't been in effect, Maria would've
made the 1997 Worlds team, but she was too young. In 1999 however, it was
a different story. Not only did she make the Worlds team, she became only the
2nd. Romanian in history to win the all-around title! She also took 1st. place
with her team. In 1997 she competed in Italy for the club Gal Lissone. Maria
is currently 5'3" tall & 109 pounds (1,61m & 49kg). Following her second place
finish at the 2000 Olympics, Maria announced she would retire at the end of
2000. She was 18 years old.
last updated: January 10, 2001