Daniela Silivash Outstanding Romanian gymnast. Date of Birth: 09.05.1972 Country: Romania

1. Biography of Daniela Silivaș
2. Early Success
3. Olympic Triumph
4. Injury and Retirement
5. Hall of Fame

Biography of Daniela Silivaș

Daniela Silivaș is an outstanding Romanian gymnast, three-time Olympic champion, and multiple world champion. She was born in the small Transylvanian city of Deva and began practicing artistic gymnastics at the age of 6.

Early Success

Daniela Silivaș achieved her first major successes in adult competitions in 1987. She won three gold medals at the World Championships in Rotterdam and four gold medals at the European Championships in Moscow. Her performance in Moscow made her the absolute champion, surpassing all Soviet gymnasts who dominated during that period.

Olympic Triumph

The peak of Silivaș' career came at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. The Olympic women's gymnastics tournament was marked by fierce competition between Soviet and Romanian athletes. After the Soviet Union's victory in the team competition, Elena Shushunova won the gold medal in the all-around event, narrowly defeating Daniela Silivaș by just 0.025 points. Despite this heartbreaking loss, Silivaș sought redemption in the individual apparatus events, winning three out of four tournaments - on the balance beam, uneven bars, and floor exercise. She finished third in the vault event.

Injury and Retirement

Silivaș continued her active career until 1989, when she suffered a serious leg injury. The injury, along with the political instability in Romania caused by the revolution, forced her to retire from competition. In 1991, she emigrated to the United States, where she currently resides and works as a coach.

Hall of Fame

In 2002, Daniela Silivaș was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, recognizing her remarkable contributions and achievements in the sport.