"Rowing fascinated me"

ProSport: Claudia, where did you get the idea to start rowing?
Caludia: I've been watching the sport since I was little. It fascinated me and even back then I thought it would be nice to be in a boat. But I met the rowing team at the Olympics. That's where we became friends.
PS: Yes, but there's a big difference between that and joining the national rowing team
CP: That's true, but my friendship with the team members is what prompted me to join the team. The former cox, Elena Georgescu announced her retirement. I was going to retire from gymnastics, and that's how they thought about me.
PS: What do you think convinced coach Gioga to take you in?
CP: I've competed in world-class meets before and they probably thought about this first. Then, you need to have perfect balance inside the boat, and I already have good balance from gymnastics. But I want to make one thing clear. For now, I'm still in a trial stage and we just don't know if the coaches will decide to compete me or not..
PS: Up until now would you be the front-runner for the cox position?
CP: No. My roommate -her name is Rodica Anghel- is also a cox. She's only 17.
PS: How old where you when you started gymnastics?
CP: My parents took me to the gym when I was 4 and a half because I was too hyper around the house. I wasn't a quiet, diligent child.
PS: Are you driving the car you won at the Olympics?
CP: Not right now because I only got my driver's license last week, but I'm sure I'll start driving it in the near future. I really like speed [driving fast].
PS: What was your best moment so far?
CP: Definitely competing at the Sydney Olympics.
PS: And your worst?
CP: Missing the Tianjin Worlds.

Even though 3 of the rowers walked out of the training camp in protest for having to train on Saturday and Sunday, the team's coach was pleased with his two coxes. Head coach Nicolae Gioga added that he always thought a gymnast would make a great cox, especially one of Claudia's talent. "She has a very good chance of being the starting cox for our team."

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