Ionela and Marius Cozmiuc Award Junior Rowing Champions

Olympic silver medalists Ionela and Marius Cozmiuc recently attended the National Junior Rowing Championship, held on August 15 and 16 at the Dorobanț Nautical Base in Iași County, Romania. The accomplished couple, who retired from competitive rowing after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, presented medals to the junior athletes who achieved podium finishes.

Ionela Cozmiuc earned a silver medal at the Paris Olympics in the lightweight double sculls (LW2x), while Marius Cozmiuc is a silver medalist from the Tokyo 2020 Games in the men's pair (JM2-). They also had the honor of carrying the Romanian flag at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“

We are happy that we could be here and that we had the opportunity to award these children. We know how much work goes into a medal and how important it is for an athlete, especially at the beginning of their journey, to feel that their work is appreciated.

During the award ceremony, the Cozmiucs shared their encouragement with the young rowers. "We are happy that we could be here and that we had the opportunity to award these children. We know how much work goes into a medal and how important it is for an athlete, especially at the beginning of their journey, to feel that their work is appreciated," said Ionela Cozmiuc. Marius Cozmiuc added, "We also participated in the National Championships when we were juniors and we know what the emotions of such a competition mean. We wish them to enjoy every competition, to continue working, and to believe in themselves. Every competition is an experience from which they can learn."

The National Junior Rowing Championship Petrom brought together 228 athletes – 133 boys and 95 girls – across three age categories. The competition featured 27 distinct events, including various boat classes like single sculls, double sculls, pairs, quadruple sculls, and coxed fours. Romania notably dominated several finals, securing multiple gold medals.

“

We also participated in the National Championships when we were juniors and we know what the emotions of such a competition mean. We wish them to enjoy every competition, to continue working, and to believe in themselves. Every competition is an experience from which they can learn.