Romanian Olympic Team departs for Paris aboard specially named aircraft “Nadia Comăneci”

The Romanian Olympic Team embarked on their journey to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris aboard a specially named aircraft, “Nadia Comăneci.” The TAROM charter flight, carrying 107 athletes set to compete in 18 different sports, took off on Sunday from Bucharest.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, was recently renamed in honor of the legendary Romanian gymnast Nadia Comăneci, who granted permission for her name to be used. This renaming is a symbolic gesture of support and inspiration for the athletes, recognizing Comăneci’s significant contributions to Romanian sports.

Mihai Covaliu, President of the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee, expressed his optimism, stating: “The journey to the Paris Olympics means getting closer to the Olympic dream. Our team is ready and eagerly awaits to enter the Olympic arena. We are glad to have departed with ‘Nadia Comăneci,’ a symbol of world sport, and I am convinced that this association with the TAROM aircraft will be auspicious for our Olympians. In Paris, Team Romania will represent Romania to the world. Team Romania thanks its partner TAROM for ensuring the transport of the Olympic Team to France.”

Among the first to board the “Nadia Comăneci” were representatives from 10 sports:

• Boxing: Lăcrămioara Perijoc (54 kg) accompanied by coaches Mihaela and Adrian Lăcătuș.
• Rowing: A large contingent with 45 athletes, 4 reserves, 11 officials, and 10 medical staff.
• MTB Cycling: Ede Molnar with coach Răzvan Jugănaru and mechanic Daniel Roșioru.
• Artistic Gymnastics: Sabrina Voinea, Ana Maria Barbosu, Lilia Cosman, Andreea Preda, Amalia Ghigoarță, and Andrei Muntean, along with seven officials.
• Swimming: Rebecca Diaconescu, David Popovici, Vlad Stancu, and their support team.
• Water Polo: A team of 13 athletes led by head coach Bogdan Rath and three other officials.
• Fencing: Mălina Călugăreanu (foil) and coach Virgil Sălișcan.
• Table Tennis: Bernadette Szocs, Elizabeta Samara, Adina Diaconu, Ovidiu Ionescu, Eduard Ionescu, and their team.
• Archery: Mădălina Amăistroaie with coach Viorel Habian.
• Yachting: Ebru Bolat and her coach Goncalo Xavier Pereira de Carvalho, already in France since July 10.

Additional members of Team Romania who will compete in the latter part of the Games are scheduled to arrive in Paris starting from July 24, including athletes from tennis, triathlon, weightlifting, judo, athletics, rhythmic gymnastics, canoe-kayak, and wrestling.

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The first wave of athletes and officials are eager and ready to represent Romania on the global stage, carrying the hopes and support of their nation as they strive for Olympic glory in Paris.

2024 Olympic Games in Paris

The 2024 Olympic Games, set to take place from July 26 to August 11, will see over 10,000 athletes from around the globe compete in 32 sports, with new events such as breakdancing making their debut. Paris, hosting the Olympics for the third time, has promised a spectacular event with a focus on sustainability and innovation, using iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées as part of the competition venues.

Photos courtesy of TAROM & COSR