“The image of the people who have done something is not credited well enough.”
Simona Amânar, vice-president of the Romanian Federation of Gymnastics.
You represent a symbol of Romania, but sport requires many sacrifices. What was the price paid by the child Simona Amânar to become what she is today?
Reaching a level that I would be considered a “symbol” of Romania makes it difficult for me now to say that I have paid a price in my life so far. It’s true that there were times when kids my age were playing in the streets, around the block, and although back then I wanted the same thing, I had to go to the gym for my daily training. Fortunately, I am a former gymnast who has also benefited of the joys of childhood. I was not far from home until the age of 14, when I was selected into the national gymnastics team at Deva, otherwise I was always near my parents and brother, friends from the neighbourhood, that I saw daily. At the same time, I realize that nothing in life can be done without work and discipline, so that I am satisfied with everything that I have achieved.
You have won dozens of trophies. Which ones are you most proud of?
I would correct you here, joking of course, but there are hundreds of trophies if one counts all the major competitions in which I participated. I am proud of my participation in two editions of the Olympic Games, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000, being awarded gold medals in both of them, few athletes enjoying this pride. I am happy to know that I am a multiple World and European champion, and to be included in the Hall of Fame. I cannot really say which is my favorite title. Worldwide recognition came in January 2001 in London, when I was designated the winner of the Laureus World Sports Awards trophy, in the Open category. Beside Nadia Comăneci, I am the only other gymnast that was awarded this trophy. However, I can never forget the moments in Sidney, when practically Romania wowed the world, making an entirely Romanian podium. Unfortunately, soon followed those moments which I shall remember with great sadness and which greatly diminished our joy. In conclusion, I am proud of all the work I did in my entire career, of all the trophies obtained at any level, because all these represent my honest work and my devotion to this sport.
What kind of person did Simona Amânar become after retiring from elite gymnastics and what is she doing now?
Simona has remained the same person. Just kidding again, I can tell you that to this name I have added another one, that of Tabără, by marrying Cosmin in 2002, and that my figure is a different one from that shown in gymnastics. Seriously, I have the same nature, the same respect for all the people with whom I’ve worked during my career, for all the people with whom I’m currently working, and for all people who have respect for everything that is around. Right now I am a University assistant at the College for Physical Education and Sport in Timisoara and Vice-President of the Romanian Federation of Gymnastics.
You said that the Olympic Games in Sydney were the peak of your career as a gymnast. What is the highest goal you want to attain in the activity that you’re currently involved in?
Sidney was and is something special in my heart. I never set myself a target to be reached. I’ve always had my life principles from which I do not want to ever give up. I’ve always wanted that what I do at a time, to do it as good as I can, at a good level, not to mock at anything that I would encounter in life. Always trying to do whatever it is that you do at a high level, a permanent improvement, it’s impossible that the moment when the results are collected not to finally come. I totally give 100% in whatever I do, and I am convinced that this the way I will always get results.
You’re involved in many and various activities, but all of them having something in common: gymnastics. If you were to choose something totally different from this area of gymnastics, what would it be?
You can see that my life is connected to gymnastics. I have almost 24 years in this sport, along with it, my life cannot be separated from gymnastics. I am not attracted to politics, although there are noted politicians in our family, Cosmin’s father being in the spotlight of Romanian politics. In the future however, I think I will seriously consider the development of a business in tourism or hospitality industry, but after a certain time, for now let’s just see how our life will evolve in the near future.
This year you became the image of a company selling organic cosmetics. Are you an environmentalist?
In a world assaulted by aggressive traders on the market, trying to direct consumers to all sorts of products, many of them affecting the human body, I considered that those seeking marketing of quality products, with organic characteristics, deserve help. I like to live in a clean society, a clean environment, and yes, I can say that I am in favor of those that help the environment, but without assigning myself the ”merit of being an environmentalist”.
Have you been involved until now in a environmental action?
I took part in several events of this kind, it is true at a local level, but I expect proposals in this respect, if my image is needed to support the environment.
In 1995 you became an honorary citizen of the city of Constanța. In 1999 of Deva, and later of Bucharest and Timișoara. What does this imply?
It’s just a recognition of what I did throughout my career, that over the years my results remain in the memory of Romanians. I’m glad about this recognition, but it is the only benefit. Unfortunately, and I’m not thinking of the material aspect, that recognition, that title doesn’t make the officials of these localities to take into account our image, to do something that things work out for the better. The officials of these cities prefer an association with other ”famous names” of the artificially created stars of the moment. But maybe their image helps more. I think that the image of the people who have done something is not credited well enough, there isn’t a management and a good marketing in these institutions, to help promote the image of these localities. And in my situation there are artists and other athletes, people of arts, and science. Unfortunately, the title of honorary citizen is only a diploma given at times that are favorable to bring image benefits to those who actually hand out the titles.
How is one day in the life of Olympic champion Simona Amânar like?
Although I am quite busy, my life is beautiful and I am happy. I have a beautiful family, a wonderful child, and I’m surrounded by the love of those around me. I manage to split my time between family and work, between family and daily activities. Fortunately, the people around me understand me and help me very much.
How are you able to merge the professional career with family life?
As I said, I am helped by those around me, my family, my parents, and in-laws. I think that work goes very well with family life when there is trust and mutual respect.
Interview translated with the help of Donna_M at the ”World Wide Fans of Nadia Comaneci”.
Also posted in IG forum by ”Marocanu”.
4 Comments
April 26, 2009 at 3:22 am
[...] of the day By Blythe Look here. Do you recognize Simona [...]
April 27, 2009 at 3:19 am
[...] check it out – Simona Amanar interview, April 2009 [...]
April 27, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Jeez, how much plastic surgery did she have — and why?
April 27, 2009 at 3:25 pm
@Cerveja: It’s not what you think, at least I’ve seen many recent pictures with her and these appear to be edited by the magazine.