Viorica Viscopoleanu and Dan Grecu received the Golden Necklace

The Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee, headed by the Olympic champion Mihai Covaliu, paid tribute to two Romanian sports legends, Dan Grecu and Viorica Viscopoleanu, on the 110th anniversary of the Olympic Games in Romania.

The long-awaited champions were awarded the Golden Collar, COSR’s highest distinction.

Exciting moments at 110 years of Olympism in Romania: Viorica Viscopoleanu and Dan Grecu received the Golden Belt! Who was next to the two champions. VIDEO

Dan Grecu is a legend of CS Dinamo, being the first world champion in the history of Romanian gymnastics, a title won in Varna, in 1974, on his favorite apparatus (rings). The following year he also won the European title, in Bern, and in 1976 he climbed the podium (bronze) at the Olympic Games in Montreal.

Viorica Viscopoleanu is Olympic champion in athletics in 1968 and represented CSA Steaua.

“I am deeply moved and thank you for this award. I want to wish success to those who will compete for Romania in the summer in Paris, to leave their emotions at the stadium gate or at the hall door. An Olympic victory is unique and worth fighting with all your being for it!” said Viorica Viscopoleanu.

Dan Grecu participated in 9 editions of the Olympic Games

In the 110 years of COSR’s history, 309 Olympic medals have been won.

“Gymnastics was my life, I lived as an athlete to win and as a coach to create teams. I am grateful to those who supported me in my career, my family and the athletes because they understood that work beats talent.

For me, who has been to 9 editions of the Olympic Games as an athlete, coach and referee, I can say that this moment brought enormous emotion because it is a prize offered by the Olympic Family that I respected through my performances! Thank you!”Dan Grecu also said.

His wife, Elena Grecu, and four of Romania’s greatest gymnasts were present next to him: Marius Urzică, Marian Drăgulescu, Ioan Suciu and Răzvan Șelariu, coach Stefan Gal, Maria Fumea from the Romanian Gymnastics Federation, as well as the former president of FRG, Adrian Stoica and Mircea Apolzan, former general secretary of FRG, people who were close to Dan Grecu in his career.

We have this duty to build confidence and help young athletes succeed in achieving their dreams. I conclude with the thought that in 121 days, in Paris, the place where Romania’s first Olympic medal was won 100 years ago, the Olympic Games will begin. I wish success to all those who will compete for Team Romania at the competition in France. The flame of passion is our strength, wholeheartedly for Team Romania
Mihai Covaliu, president of COSR

What is the history of COSR?

The first president of the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee was HRH Prince Carol of Romania (1914-1920). The Romanian Olympic Committee, founded on March 27, 1914, was immediately recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

In addition, in the context of the Olympic Movement, the Romanian citizen of Greek origin Evanghelie Zappa (1800-1865), settled in 1833 in Broşteni, Ialomiţa county, had an important role, also recognized by the IOC, in the revival of the Olympic Games.

From the initiative of this merchant, a great lover of art and literature, the Olympic Games were reborn in Athens, taking place in the years 1859, 1870, 1875 and 1889, under the name “Olympics”, but only with Greek participation, following the model of those of Antiquity.

The Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee (COSR) is an association of national interest belonging to the Olympic Movement, which is organized and operates on the basis of its own statute drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the Olympic Charter and Romanian legislation in force.

• COSR has the role of promoting the fundamental principles of Olympism at the national level, as well as supporting the creation of institutions dedicated to Olympic Education.