Stop-over in Deva

The recently concluded World Cup confirmed Andreea Răducan and Simona Amânar's talent. Andreea won the beam and floor finals, placing third on bars, while Simona placed second on beam and vault, and third on floor. "The competition was held a little late, because fatigue builds up all year long, but I am pleased with my gymnasts' routines, who had good performances. Still, it seems the competition wasn't up to the same level as the 1998 World Cup held in Japan," said coach Octavian Belu, who will only be in Deva for one day. He also said the organizers were unhappy because only 11 Olympic medalists came to Glasgow, so the level of competition was a little low. "They compensated with the show they put on, with anouncers, lights, and an amazing atmosphere," he added. In the same competition, Marius Urzică won the pommel horse final, and Marian Drăgulescu won vault, ahead of Olympic champion Gervasio Deferr. RGF president Nicolae Vieru, said Marian was the revelation of the competition.

Former champion Gina Gogean was on hand for all the day's events in Glasgow, watching Andreea and Simona's routines with interest. Gina works 3 months a year [every year] at a gymnastics club in Scotland. She cheered on our gymnasts, saying the World Cup atmosphere made her miss competing.

The gymnasts and coach Belu came home Monday evening, heading straight for Deva from the Bucharest airport. Simona and Andreea will have a mandatory rest period because they don't have much time to recuperate before leaving for Belgium, where they will take part in an Olympic gala. Joined by Sabina Cojocar, and Octavian Belu they left for Antwerp Wednesday night. The gymnasts are also scheduled to take part in a similar gala, to be organized in Paris this week-end.

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