26. März 2005  
Deva / Rumania  
Artistic Gymnastics

Belu returns as Romania s gymnastics coach

Octavian Belu (ROM)

Octavian Belu announced yesterday that he was ready to return as coach to Romania's gymnastics team, nearly two months after he resigned amid legal troubles and media criticism of his methods.
At the gymnastics federation's annual meeting, Belu told members and the media that he was ready to take back his position.
'I feel the need to get involved in the situation of the Olympic team, which is not easy,' he told the press.
Romanian Federation officials said they were happy with Belu's return.
Until Belu returns to the gym room, the team will be guided by his assistant Mariana Bitang.
His return marks the end of a troubled period for Romanian gymnastics, which was rocked by scandals and legal problems.
Belu coached Romania from 1981, helping it to 272 medals - including 104 golds - at Olympic, world, European and other top competitions.

Oana Petrovschi (ROM)

<< On Thursday, former gymnast Oana Petrovschi dropped an injury lawsuit against Belu, Bitang and the federation after reaching an out-of-court settlement.
Last week, the federation ordered triple Olympic gold medallist Catalina Ponor, two-time Olympic champion Monica Rosu, Alexandra Eremia and Floarea Leonida to leave the team's base in Bucharest. They were told not to return until they had lost between 11 and 18 pounds.
The measure was cancelled after the Romanian Olympic Committee intervened on behalf of the gymnasts. Federation chairman Nicolae Vieru later said expelling the gymnasts was intended only 'to scare them' because they had disciplinary problems.