Romanian gymnast changes tack

Romania excelled in the team event in the Olympics

Olympic gold medallist Claudia Presecan is training to become a cox with Romania's rowing team according to reports.

Presecan has joined Romania's rowing team in their training camp in Poiana Brasov, and is aiming to become the new cox.

The 21-year-old gymnast was part of the Romanian team that won the gold medal in last year's Sydney Olympics.

Presecan retired from gymnastics in November and has previously stated she intended to become a coach.

A natural winner

Mircea Toader, a coach with Romania's rowing team had no doubts Presecan had what it takes to succeed in her new vocation.

"Low weight, a sense for rhythm and balance are what it takes to be a cox, and Claudia has all this from gymnastics," Toader explained.

Romania's women's rowing team won the Olympic gold in Sydney, and its former coxswain, Elena Georgescu, has retired.

Presecan was also a member of the Romanian team that won the world gymnastics title in 1994, 1995 and 1997.