On the face of things, the 2011 Romanian World team doesn't look that different from the way it was in 2010. Returners include Olympic floor champion Sandra Izbasa (who is nursing a sore Achilles), and stalwarts Diana Chelaru, Raluca Haidu and Amelia Racea, as well as the elegant Ana Porgras. All are capable of individual medals.
Gone from this team is now-retired Cerasela Patrascu, who finally achieved a measure of success -- if not medals -- at a World Championships, as well as Olympian Gabriela Dragoi, who continues to train.
The biggest change this year is the addition of a blast from the past in the form of 2004 Olympic champion Catalina Ponor, the most successful gymnast of that Games. At a time when Romanian gymnastics is trying to build back up to its former team strength after upheavals and head coaching changes, Ponor is a necessary addition, if only for morale.
Not that it's all doom and gloom in Transylvania -- Romania comes to the Tokyo Worlds with two of the four World event champions in Porgras (beam) and Izbasa (floor).
And fortunately, Ponor can provide more than just morale. Her DTY on vault is serviceable, her double layout on floor sets the right tone and her beamwork is as solid as ever. With a hit routine, Ponor should challenge Porgras for the beam title. Romanians going 1-2 on the medal podium? Now that would be a return to the way they were.
Yes, in 2011, Romania is back. Expect big things.
Photo gallery -- Romania at the 2010 Worlds: Gymnastics photographer Heather Maynez captured these beautiful shots of the Romanians at the 2010 World Championships, and sent along some photos of the newcomers for the 2011 team as well. Click the image of Ana Porgas to the left to enter the gallery, or just click here. As always, enjoy!
Like The Gymnastics Examiner on Facebook, follow on Twitter, or click the "Subscribe" button above to receive the latest gymnastics news and results via e-mail.
Comments