Wednesday 28 October 2015
Name: Larisa Iordache
Age: 19
Nationality & Hometown: Romania & Bucharest
Larisa Iordache was part of the Romanian team which took bronze at the London 2012 Olympic Games. In 2013 Larisa claimed bronze on Floor at the World Championships in Antwerp Holland. Ioradche continued to show her talent, winning a further two Worlds medals, a silver in both the All-Around and individual Floor final. The three time world medallist finished 2014 on a high, winning All-Around gold at the Glasgow World Cup.
Q & A
When did your passion for gymnastics begin and how did you get involved in the sport?
Gymnastics is very important for me because it is my life. It is my inspiration and I love it. I started at the Dinamo Club in Bucharest with my first coach and it was a game for me. It was about having fun.
What is your career highlight to date?
My best moment was last year in the World Championships in Nanning when I won the All-Around silver medal. I was so happy because I fight every time to medal in All-Around. I hope this year the competition will be good for me because I want to achieve the same as last year, or much better of course!
Have you competed in Glasgow before?
Yes, I have competed here in the World Cup. It is so nice. I love Glasgow. I love the people, they were so kind to me. Every man and woman was supporting me every time and saying, ‘Come on Larisa’, which was awesome. I don’t have much time to visit the city but it is nice. Last year, I visited a little bit and it was so cute.
What do you think of the Championship venue – The SSE Hydro?
It looks awesome. However, it is the same apparatus which is so important for the gymnast. So, it is your apparatus and it doesn’t matter about the rest. Of course, it is so nice for the fans and it is going to be a great experience.
What is the best thing about being a professional gymnast?
Gymnastics is so beautiful, but it is very hard. We travel and come to a new city for every event and we get to meet new people. People like to watch you and you get to practice your exercise which is awesome.
Larisa is competing in the women’s individual All-Around competition on Thursday 29 October.
Photo: Larisa Iordache at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro by Alistair Devine