For decades, Romania has stood out in the realm of women’s gymnastics, giving rise to legendary figures such as Nadia Comaneci, the trailblazer who achieved the first perfect 10, alongside a host of Olympic champions who have amassed a remarkable collection of medals. But the historically dominant program is currently confronting one of its most critical challenges as recent internal events jeopardize its stability and reputation.

The Romanian Gymnastics Federation (FRG) found itself compelled to respond swiftly after GOLAZO.ro published footage revealing national team coach Camelia Voinea conducting a training session alongside her daughter, gymnast Sabrina Maneca-Voinea. The footage, which raised alarm bells, reportedly showcased moments of both physical and verbal mistreatment, resulting in a wave of indignation and discussion.

In light of the unfolding scandal, the Executive Committee of the FRG took the significant step of dissolving the national gymnastics teams until the end of the year at the minimum. The gymnasts will return to their home clubs for training until at least the year’s end, as an investigation into the matter is conducted. Addressing the controversial footage, FRG President Ioan Suciu expressed the federation’s shock and discomfort.

“The shock is immense when you see something like this as a parent in a training process,” Suciu stated. “We know very well that it’s a mother-daughter relationship there. We know very well that in every family there are good and bad. On top of all this, we’re also talking about a training process. Things may be going in a certain direction… I can’t say that I’m accusing her or that I agree or disagree. I didn’t like what I saw. We will respect the decision of the Disciplinary Commission in this case.”

In response to the allegations, both Sabrina and Camelia Voinea have defended their training relationship. Sabrina, who earned a silver medal at the European Championships, issued a statement conveying her disappointment regarding the situation and emphasized that the training footage was taken out of context.

“I am very sad when I see that untrue things appear in the world of gymnastics about me and my mother and that the press follows them without asking us anything or asking our opinion first. No one forced me to do anything. I was never coerced or abused,” she stated, standing up for her mother.

Camelia added, “Of course, as with any parent and coach, and I have the strength to admit this, I also regret raising my voice, that I may have moments of anger, nervousness, or severity. But what coach doesn’t do this? That’s the job and to get there are also hard and tense moments. I don’t think there’s any great champion who can say that her career was all about milk and honey.”

Nonetheless, this occurrence is not isolated; it surfaced in tandem with other internal complaints.

More unrest within Romanian gymnastics

A former Romanian gymnast, opting for anonymity, has recently shared insights into the enduring psychological effects of her training experience . She disclosed that the anxiety cultivated during that time has lingered into her adulthood, a feeling that now strikes her as both deep and illogical. Because at 28 years old and having established a life overseas, she revealed that an underlying anxiety still lingers. She recounted her experience as traumatic, resulting in emotional scars that have persisted well beyond the conclusion of her gymnastics career.

The gymnast, who wishes to remain unnamed, nostalgically reflected on the start of her journey at the tender age of four and a half. Motivated by the iconic displays of Andreea Raducan, Maria Olaru, and Simona Amanar in 2001, she pleaded with her parents to sign her up for gymnastics classes.

But eventually the gymnast was forced to exit. She pinpointed the main factor behind her exit as the escalating aggression exhibited by her coach, which resulted in trauma for her and others. Her career in the sport came to a halt after a severe accident that left her with significant injuries, an event she attributes to inadequate oversight from the coach.

As the Disciplinary Commission embarks on its investigation, the entire framework of Romanian elite gymnastics finds itself in a precarious limbo, with its future hinging on how it manages this phase of rigorous examination and enacts substantial reform.