12 Romanian Gymnasts In Running For Rio Test Event Team

12 Romanian Gymnasts In Running For Rio Test Event Team

Romania has selected 12 gymnasts to train for the Rio Test Event, according to ProSport. At the 2015 World Championships, Romania failed to qualify a team t

Dec 18, 2015 by Becca Reed
12 Romanian Gymnasts In Running For Rio Test Event Team
Romania has selected 12 gymnasts to train for the Rio Test Event, according to ProSport. At the 2015 World Championships, Romania failed to qualify a team to the 2016 Olympics and the Rio Test Event in April is their final chance to qualify. Lead by Olympian and four-time world medalist Larisa Iordache, the gymnasts training for the event are listed below:

Larisa Iordache 
Catalina Ponor 
Diana Bulimar 
Andreea Iridon 
Laura Jurca 
Anda Butuc
Andreea Ciurusniuc
Ana Maria Ocolisan
Denisa Stanciu
Dora Vulcan
Maria Holbura
Silvia Zarzu 


Five gymnasts were sent from the national training site in Izvorani to Deva, in essence relegated and no longer in the running to make the team:

Andreea Munteanu
Asiana Peng 
Stefania St?nil? 
Stefania Orzu 
Cristina Vrabie


Two more gymnasts were dismissed from the training squad:

Paula Tudorache 
Ioana Nicoara 


Following this yearÂ’s World Championships, Romania made changes to the coaching staff, bringing back legendary coaches Octavian Bellu and Mariana Bitang

There have also been changes to the selection process as stated in the ProSport article. PengÂ’s mother, Silvana Peng, has expressed concern about the system and demoting gymnasts, particularly her daughter and the group of five gymnasts who were sent to train in Deva. Read more in the ProSport article here.