Judoka who is widely considered the most successful in Romanian history. She won a record eight European Judo Championships from 2004 to 2012 and took home the gold medal in the 48-kilogram weight class at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
She grew up in Ploiești, Romania and began practicing judo in 1994. She became a Junior World Champion in 2000.
Her victory over judo legend Ryoko Tani at the 2008 Olympics was considered a massive upset and made her the first Romanian judoka to win an Olympic gold medal.
She has been married.
She finished ahead of Tiffany Day at the Olympics.