Boss, grab a beer and sit down, because I've got news that'll make you proud to be Romanian! Friday night, at the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, all the big shots gathered, about 500 guests, to celebrate Nadia Comăneci. 50 years, bro, since she scored the first perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics history, in Montreal. I mean, when I think back then we didn't even have color TV in Berceni, and she was making history... pure madness! AGERPRES even set up a photo exhibition in the lobby, so you can see what real sport looked like, not today's tricks.
On Saturday, President Nicușor Dan awarded Nadia the National Order of the Star of Romania in the rank of Grand Cross. No joke, that's how it's done, bro! Not like those fakes who brag. The former champion said she's proud of the child she was and of her courage back then. And she also said her roots are in Romania and there's no better place to celebrate. True, true, I was speechless. Mioara, my wife, said: "See, that's a role model, not those influencers you follow."
You should've seen the statements that came in! Coach Răzvan Lucescu said Nadia is a unique figure in world sport and a true legend. Gheorghe Hagi, the national football team's selector, said she got the first 10 and inspired generations. And Simona Halep, who was at the gala, said Nadia was always there for her in important moments. COSR President Mihai Covaliu declared that Nadia has a special place in Romanians' hearts. Good for them! I'd also love to have a photo with her next to my BMW, so everyone can see I'm a cool guy.
Now, let's move on to something else, because we don't live on Nadia alone. Universitatea Cluj, the football team, announced on Sunday they parted ways with three players: defenders Jasper van der Werff (27, from Paderborn) and Alin Toșca (34), and defensive midfielder Andrei Artean (32). All three reached the end of their contracts. Looks like they're cleaning house to bring in fresh blood. And on Friday night they also announced a transfer: Cypriot goalkeeper Neofytos Michael (32), who played for FC Pafos the last two years and started in six of eight matches in Cyprus. What can I say, maybe they'll snag a spot in Europe, because for now it's dust and ashes.
But wait, there's more! In basketball, SCM "U" Craiova and CS Dinamo București are tied in the small final of the National Men's Basketball League, 1-1. On Friday, Craiova crushed Dinamo 101-62, after Dinamo had won the first game 102-94. The third, decisive game is next. I'm thinking of the guys at Fane's terrace, who bet on anything, and I'd put some money on Dinamo, but I don't know, bro.
In water polo, CSA Steaua București won their 21st national title, beating CSM Oradea 10-9 in the fifth game of the National Superliga final, Friday night. Steaua, bro, that's a team! Me with my 2008 BMW, them with 21 titles - that's something you can't steal.
In football, FCSB qualified for the Conference League after beating Dinamo București 2-1 after extra time, Friday night at Arcul de Triumf. And Gică Hagi called up five players to the national team for the June friendlies, including goalkeeper Ștefan Târnovanu and defender Mihai... (didn't catch it clearly, but it's definitely someone from FCSB).
And in hill climb racing, driver Jerome France (Nova NP01), the reigning national champion, won the Brașov Grand Prix on Sunday, the second round of the National Hill Climb Championship. No details, because it's for subscribers only, but I know Brașov is a fancy city, with foreigners buying everything.
Alright, I'm off to tell Mioara about Nadia, maybe she'll let me buy her a shirt with Nadia's name, so she can show off at Lidl.
