Cristina-Georgiana Popescu (ROU)

Rising Star – October 2018

Talented 22-year-old Romanian Cristina-Georgiana Popescu became a champion at the first World Rowing Junior Championships she ever competed in (Lithuania, 2013) and that’s given her a taste for gold that she keeps on chasing.  In the past two years, the former Youth Olympic and European Champion has stepped up to the senior ranks – in the women’s eight and four – and has her eye on Tokyo 2020.

I took up rowing because… I saw a lot of athletes who had a lot of gold medals and I wished to be like them.

I keep doing it because… I really like to win.

My biggest achievement was… the 2014 Youth Olympic Games when I won the gold medal (in the women’s pair).

Growing up I… knew all about the famous Romanian women’s eight and just wanted to be like them.

During the rowing season… my average week is about ten sessions, covering about 200 km.

I train with… the Romanian Olympic team and it’s nice because these are the best girls from my country.

My favourite part of rowing is… living with people with the same passion.

The most challenging part is… the summer season and all the championships

When I’m not rowing… I like to travel a lot. And I like to go shopping.

I don’t really have… a favourite food but I like to try traditional foods in each country I visit.

To relax I… love listening to music that makes me feel good.