- Joined
- Jul 28, 2003
Romanian Coach's remarks
Those were very sporting remarks. I remember in 1996 the Russian coaches and some team members saying the US had only won because they were on their home turf. The then USSR team had remarked in 1991 that Kim Zmeskal had won her All Around Gold because of the home crowd advantage. They seemed loath to admit that maybe, just maybe that the Americans did a better job on those days.
Octavian Belu may have pointed out some disadvantages that his country faces but they have definite advantages as well over the US. It seems that in Romania gymnastics is as big as soccer all the time; not just during the Olympics. I have also heard that they all train together all of the time. Even a multiple champion will constantly be pushed to the fullest. The Romanian gymnastics style is not my favorite but they have a high level of difficulty coupled with consistency that racks up the points. I hope the US team doesn't get complacent jsut because he was doing strategic poor mouthing.
Verbalgirl77 said:Here are some nice quotes from Belu about the US ladies and the performance of the Romanian team. He supports his girls but also shows some respect for the US girls.
http://www.andreearaducan.dyndns.org/news.html
Belu was unhappy that he lost the gold but was realistic and said: "That's life and we have to accept the situation because we have made some mistakes. We had some unfortunate mistakes and that's why we finished second. I was impressed with the gymnasts of United States, most of all after so many injuries and accidents. That team has major potential."
"I'm cautious to say that we could have finished first. I have to admit that the Americans did really well but we lost important points because of our mistakes."
"In Romania the number of gymnasts is remarkably small so the results are a natural cause. In Dallas alone there are 65 gymnastic clubs and in Romania there are less than 10, so the American selection is based on other human resources."
"I'm sorry that there were some childish mistakes but that's the result of lack of experience. I can't say that I'm completely satisfied about any of them but it's a good start on the road to Athens."
Those were very sporting remarks. I remember in 1996 the Russian coaches and some team members saying the US had only won because they were on their home turf. The then USSR team had remarked in 1991 that Kim Zmeskal had won her All Around Gold because of the home crowd advantage. They seemed loath to admit that maybe, just maybe that the Americans did a better job on those days.
Octavian Belu may have pointed out some disadvantages that his country faces but they have definite advantages as well over the US. It seems that in Romania gymnastics is as big as soccer all the time; not just during the Olympics. I have also heard that they all train together all of the time. Even a multiple champion will constantly be pushed to the fullest. The Romanian gymnastics style is not my favorite but they have a high level of difficulty coupled with consistency that racks up the points. I hope the US team doesn't get complacent jsut because he was doing strategic poor mouthing.