My Journey

Swimming has been my passion since I was 9. Those were delicate years, during the communism period. To support the healthy growth of a child performing at high level was quite a challenge: often without proper nutrition or supplements or pocket money for training camps. I was ashamed, it was hard. But my love for sports and for swimming was bigger and I went on being the best of my teammates and being national vice-champion for two years in a row (1992-1993).

When I turned 18, I had to make a choice: my love for the water or higher education -- as if one excluded the other! But those were the times back then in Romania, when my mother would not have money to support both. Studies were important and sport was not really encouraged, and I went to the university. On the way, I felt I lost a piece of myself. Years went by and that void never truly went away. At 35 years old I moved to The Netherlands and here I found my way back to the water. One swim turned into many and what started as a quiet return became a full dive back in.

Recent Challenges

In May 2024, I underwent an arthroscopy on my wrist that kept me out of the water for 6 months. Instead of giving up, I laced up my running shoes, built back my strength, and returned even more determined.

In October, I completed a 20 km run in 1 hr 37 min, and in December, I complete a challenging 6 km swimming event in 2 hrs. Then I knew my body's ready for the next phase.

My Dream, My Mission, My Goal

My dream is to compete at the highest swimming level competitions and inspire people to pursue their passions with deep belief in their own greatness!

My mission is clear: push the limits and redefine what's possible while balancing full-time work, trainings and social life!

My goal is to secure a spot among the top 10 swimmers at breaststroke in the 45-49 age category in the competition.