Former Top Athletes Break the Silence for a Better Future (video)
Former athletes, who for years bore the burden of silence, have begun to speak openly about the traumatic experiences they endured over time.
This campaign is conducted and supported by the Romanian Association for the Defense of Athletes’ Rights – United Europe (ARADS-EU).
Their testimonies reveal a system that, in some cases, appears to have prioritized performance over the mental and physical health of the athletes. Their accounts speak of public humiliation, insults that eroded self-confidence, and extreme training regimens, all justified under the guise of achieving competitive success.
These revelations complement previous press reports from athletes like Irina Lalciu and Andra Rusu, whose cases have also been covered in the media.
A Call for Change, Not Conflict
Far from being an act of war or a confrontational effort, these testimonies are a desperate plea for reform and the building of a better future in gymnastics, according to ARADS-EU representatives. The aim is not to punish individuals but to transform a system that, for far too long, has allowed such practices to persist.
”We don’t want future generations of athletes to go through what we endured.
says one of the former gymnasts.
”Performance should not come at the cost of mental and physical health.
The Future of Rhythmic Gymnastics
For Romanian rhythmic gymnastics to be reborn in a healthy way, the involvement of all stakeholders in the field is essential: coaches, officials, civil society, supporters, and most importantly, the athletes. Open dialogue, transparency, the adoption of strict anti-abuse rules, and investment in the psychological training of coaches could be crucial steps toward this change.
It is time for the sports community to take a firm stance and ensure that today’s and tomorrow’s gymnasts train in a safe, healthy, and respectful environment. True success is measured not only in medals but also in the harmonious lives of the athletes who reach the podium.
Actions Taken Since October 2024
The following measures and reports have been initiated with the competent authorities:
- Complaints to the National Sports Agency (ANS)
- Complaints to the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee (COSR)
- Complaints to the Gymnastics Federation (GEF)
- Discussions with the GEF via videoconference
- A petition to COSR signed by 35 parents
- A complaint to the National Council for Combating Discrimination.
