There was surprise, confusion, and in some cases anger when Ana Barbosu made a stunning announcement in January. The Romanian gymnast, who had been the center of attention and was even bullied over the Paris bronze medal controversy, revealed that she will be joining Stanford Gymnastics. “Can’t wait to join this amazing family! Go Card,” she wrote on Instagram. The NCAA fandom was left scratching their collective heads, while others outright questioned the move. But Barbosu is here to stay, and this adds another twist to her story with Jordan Chiles. Interestingly, as part of the 2029 recruiting class, Barbosu’s freshman season is set to coincide with Chiles’ senior year at UCLA, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch between the two next year.

A Romanian Olympic medalist stepping into the world of NCAA gymnastics? That’s nearly unheard of. Only Lilia Cosman had done it before, and she hadn’t stood on an Olympic podium. On Friday, Barbosu, 18, was officially welcomed by Stanford in an Instagram post, where she revealed why she chose Stanford as her next destination.

“I made the decision to choose Stanford because I wanted to prove that I am more than just a talented gymnast,” Barbosu said. “The opportunities to pursue the sport I love while receiving a world-class education is truly a dream come true. My visit to Stanford filled me with excitement and convinced me that this is the place where I can become the best version of myself. I have already met extraordinary people both in and outside of the gym, from whom I know I have so much to learn.

I am eager to give my absolute best to the team so we can fight for the NCAA National Championship title. I am truly grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend my next four years in Stanford’s prestigious environment. Can’t wait to call the Stanford campus home!”

Barbosu hails from Unirea, Romania, and previously trained at CSS Focșani while attending the “Cetate” Sports High School of Deva, both pillars of Romanian gymnastics development. Now, she is set to join a program under head coach Tabitha Yim that’s steadily climbing.

Stanford finished the 2024-2025 season ranked No. 18 nationally and reached the second round of the NCAA Regional Championships with a score of 196.500. The team posted standout efforts on vault (49.250) and floor (49.350) and concluded the season with a 19–6 record, its fewest losses in a season since 2004.

Barbosu is one of the most decorated Romanian juniors. She dominated the 2020 European Junior Championships, becoming the first gymnast to win all six gold medals in the team, all-around, vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise events in the competition. Since moving to the senior level, Barbosu has represented Romania in multiple World Cups and World Championships.

Now, she is looking to start the next chapter in her life at Stanford. This, despite knowing the backlash that could come her way. Barbosu received fierce criticism when she was awarded the bronze medal following the Paris Olympics after Chiles was stripped of the honor. So, when she posted the news of her joining the NCAA fold in January, she again was on the receiving end of some scathing backlash.

Ana Barbosu was criticised for joining the NCAA Gymnastics

Barbosu, meanwhile, isn’t just any recruit. Ana Barbosu was the gymnast whose bronze medal shook the foundation of the 2024 Paris Games.

Back in August, Barbosu became Romania’s first Olympic medalist in over a decade. Or so she thought. Minutes after her bronze on the floor, the medal was handed to Jordan Chiles after a successful inquiry bumped the American’s difficulty score. Barbosu broke down in tears. Chiles celebrated. The podium went ahead without her.

But 11 days later, everything flipped. The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Team USA’s inquiry came four seconds too late. Retroactively, Jordan Chiles’ score dropped, and Barbosu’s was reinstated. She was named the bronze medalist. This time, joy for Ana. And heartbreak for Chiles.

For some fans of Jordan Chiles, the frustration stemmed less from Barbosu herself and more from the heartbreak that Jordan Chiles suffered. To them, Barbosu’s win ended what could’ve been a fairytale podium finish for Chiles. Her subsequent move to the NCAA, specifically Stanford, was seen by few as rubbing salt in the wound.

When she made the post on IG announcing her move, her comment section was filled with remarks like “Why????? Give the scholarship to an American Gymnast. I hope she knows how to lose in college gymnastics and be ok with not being winning everything.” Another user also questioned her choice, writing, “Why pick the US for college their good colleges in Europe and in Russia. Stay in your own country…”

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, there was a different kind of disapproval. In Romania, some questioned her decision to leave the country for college in the U.S., with comparisons drawn to fellow sporting star David Popovici, who turned down offers from elite American universities to stay and train in Romania.

That said, these voices remain a minority. The overwhelming response — from gymnastics fans, U.S. college sports circles, and Stanford supporters — has been one of admiration. Many have praised Barbosu’s decision as a bold step forward in her athletic and academic growth.