Gymnastics is her life

Photo used courtesy of Miwa M

Irina Deleanu's name will always be unavoidably tied to gymnastics. First as a gymnast, then as a coach and businesswoman. She was an exceptional gymnast whose success didn’t stop inside the training hall, but extended to the business table. That's because Irina understood that success in both gymnastics and business can be achieved through hard work and creativity.

Four years ago, Irina had one of her lifelong dreams become reality when she started her own gymnastics club SC Irina Deleanu Gym Club SRL. "I had this idea since I was a gymnast. I remember talking to my coach Maria Gârba and telling her that when I'll grown up, I want to start a club with her. It was just a dream, but much to my satisfaction, it is now reality." Although things didn't always go according to plan, like one year when she was forced to close down her club because she no longer had a gym where to train, Irina never gave up on her dream. She somehow managed to start her club with a new partner, Sportul Studentesc Sports Club. Irina currently has a competitive team consisting of 9 girls between the ages of 6 and 8, and a recreational program. Her students include children of local celebrities, such as fashion designer Rita Muresan and choreographer Luigi Cassian. Irina has big plans for her students. "I hope to take this generation to a new level, so that they can place in the top 20 at Worlds. Then, maybe we can start aiming for a top 10 finish, and later on, compete for a medal."

Born to be a champion

Coincidence or no coincidence, Irina Deleanu shares her birthday with gymnastics great Nadia Comăneci. "When I was little I liked to do needle scales. Whenever my mother asked me what I was doing, I would answer I'm doing a Nadia. I always watched her on TV and I dreamt of being a champion like she was." Irina started gymnastics when she was 5, after a few years of ballet. "I didn't really like ballet because my teachers were too strict. Besides, it seemed like rhythmic gymnastics was created for me. It was my life.” Irina remembers what happened a few weeks after she started training. " I usually went to church with my grandmother. One day, after mass, I noticed the red carpet on the church floor, and I started turning cartwheels down to the altar. The priest was a little amazed, but still amused." Her way to the top wasn't always easy, as she explains. "1987 was the first year I tried out for the national team. I was cut on grounds that I'm not suited for the sport. It was a family tragedy, but my parents supported me, and one year later, Maria Gârba brought me with her to the national team."

Irina doesn’t like to talk about herself. On the other hand, there’s no stopping her if you ask about her young gymnasts’ progress. However, Irina’s pride and joy is her son David who’s now 5 years old. “He reminds me of myself at that age. He’s very active. Right now, he’s tacking swimming classes. If he wants to, he could be a competitive swimmer. To be honest with you, I’d actually want him to try figure skating,” says the proud mother. Irina was married to Dan Contea, a successful businessman, for 4 years. She is currently divorced. “I have a boyfriend, but I don’t want to reveal his name because he is a public figure.” In her little spare time, Romania’s first ever world medallist in rhythmic gymnastics loves going to parties and shopping. She’s also had several modeling contracts since she retired from gymnastics. Cars are yet another hobby of hers. “I love speed. That’s why I like driving. Sometimes, when I get stressed out, I get in my car and drive for hours at an end until I calm down.” She currently drives a 2000 Toyota.

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