23. März 2005  
Deva / Romania  
Artistic Gymnastics

Romanians told to lose some weight

Ponor and coach Bitang at Eurochamps 2004

Romanian gold medalist Catalina Ponor and two other Olympic champions from the Athens Games 2004 have been sent back to their clubs to lose weight, media reported.
Ponor joined Monica Rosu who won two gold medals in Athens, Alexandra Eremia who won a gold and bronze, and Florea Leonida. The four were told they were at least 11 pounds overweight, according to coach and former gymnast Anca Grigoras.
“I hope it is a temporary measure and the women will return to the team with the desire to really perform high-level gymnastics,” Grigoras told the press. 'It is our fault that we got fat,'' Ponor said. 'I don't think we should have reached this point. I want to continue to do high-level gymnastics.''


Earlier this year, the Romanian coaches Octavian Belu and Maria Bitang resigned after 2002 world silver medallist Oana Petrovschi said they asked for payment from her prize-money and forced her to compete despite an injured back. She is suing for over $50,000 in damages.
Belu admitted receiving money from his athletes but said it wasgiven freely as a sign of gratitude and that he never demanded it.
The gymnasts say they want Belu back at the helm but so far he has refused to go back on his resignation.
The European and world championships will be held in June and November respectively.