Famous Romanian Weightlifters

Nicu Vlad is a retired heavyweight weightlifter from Romania who achieved great success in weightlifting competitions, including multiple Olympic medals, world titles, and European titles. He set world records in the snatch and was elected to the International Weightlifting Federation Hall of Fame. After retiring as an athlete, Vlad became a national coach, served in leadership roles in weightlifting organizations, and was eventually banned from the sport due to allegations of complicity in anti-doping rule violations. He is credited with popularizing the Romanian deadlift exercise.

Gabriel Sîncrăian is a Romanian weightlifter known for competing in the 85 kg weight division. He participated in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, winning a bronze medal in 2016 which was later stripped due to a positive test for excess testosterone. Sîncrăian also achieved success at the European championships in 2012 and 2016, earning two medals. In November 2020, doping tests from the 2012 Olympics revealed positive results for metenolone and stanozolol, further impacting his career in weightlifting.

Mihaela Valentina Cambei is a highly accomplished Romanian weightlifter who has achieved great success in her career. She has won multiple gold medals at prestigious competitions such as the European Weightlifting Championships. Known for her exceptional skills and dedication to the sport, Cambei has consistently demonstrated her strength and talent on the international stage. Her impressive performances have solidified her reputation as a top athlete in the world of weightlifting, inspiring others with her remarkable achievements and determination.

Loredana Toma is a Romanian weightlifter who has achieved significant success in her career. She is a two-time World Champion and a four-time European Champion, competing in different weight categories over the years. Despite facing a setback in 2014 when she tested positive for Stanozolol and received a two-year ban, Toma has continued to excel in the sport. She has adapted to new weight categories following reorganization by the International Weightlifting Federation, currently competing in the 71kg category.

Cristina Iovu is a weightlifter who has competed in various international championships representing Moldova, Azerbaijan, and Romania. She has faced multiple suspensions and disqualifications due to testing positive for prohibited substances, including Oxandrolone and Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone. Despite winning medals at events like the European Weightlifting Championships and the World Weightlifting Championships, Iovu has been stripped of her achievements and banned from competition until 2026 for Blood substitution.

Răzvan Constantin Martin is a Romanian weightlifter who has competed in multiple Olympic Games. He won a bronze medal in 2012, but it was later stripped due to doping violations. Additionally, he was involved in a doping scandal at the 2012 European Championships where he originally won a silver medal but was later awarded the gold after a competitor was banned for doping. Martin himself was later suspended for doping violations in 2013. These incidents have cast a shadow on his professional career as a weightlifter.

Monica Csengeri is a Romanian weightlifter who competes in the 48 kg category and represents Romania at international competitions. She has participated in world championships, including the 2015 World Weightlifting Championships. In 2018, she tested positive for Ephedrine, resulting in a ban by the International Weightlifting Federation until 2019. Despite this setback, Csengeri has shown dedication and resilience in her professional career as a weightlifter, striving to overcome challenges and continue pursuing success in her sport.

Dumitru Captari is a professional male weightlifter from Romania who competes in the 77 kg weight category. He began his international career representing Moldova before switching to represent Romania in 2015. Captari has participated in prestigious events such as the 2016 Summer Olympics and various world championships. He has achieved significant success, winning multiple medals at the European Weightlifting Championships and demonstrating exceptional skills in both the snatch and clean & jerk disciplines. Captari continues to excel in his weightlifting career, showcasing his talent on the international stage.