Simona Radiș has made a significant impact in the field of rowing, setting an exemplary standard of excellence, dedication, and commitment, both in her athletic pursuits and in broader society. Her achievements have motivated a new generation to pursue their aspirations with determination. At the age of 25, Simona has already amassed three Olympic medals and has established herself as a role model for a generation, having secured double gold medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. Recently, Simona Radiș has joined the campaign "100 Youngsters for Romania's Development", a nationwide initiative of the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania.
Simone Radis's journey commenced in Botoșani. During her formative years, it was not evident that she would become one of the most accomplished rowers in Romanian history. Despite her affinity for mathematics and sporadic involvement in the sport, her life underwent an unanticipated trajectory at the age of 14 when coach George Bulie identified her during a national selection tour in a mathematics class.
In 2013, she commenced training in performance rowing, registering with the Steaua Bucharest Army Sports Club. By 2019, six years later, she had already achieved her first significant international successes, becoming European and World vice-champion. Her performances continued to impress, with three Olympic medals – two gold and one silver – and multiple world and European titles.
The year 2020 was a significant one for Simona. In a historic moment, she became the first female athlete to carry the Romanian flag at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, a symbolic gesture that underscored the importance of gender equality. Simona's achievements were further recognized by the International Rowing Federation, which named her the "Rising Star of the Month" for December, and by CSA Steaua Bucharest, which honored her as the club's most valuable athlete.
In addition to her Olympic success, 2022 represents a significant milestone for Simona Radiș. At the European and World Championships, in collaboration with Ancuța Bodnar, she secured gold in both the double oars and the 8+1 event. Her performance was nothing short of legendary, particularly given that she achieved this feat less than an hour after triumphing in the double sculls at the World Championships. This remarkable achievement has left an indelible mark on the annals of rowing history.
However, Radiș's career reached its zenith at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She secured two podium finishes, claiming gold in the 8+1 and silver in the double sculls, thereby solidifying her status as the preeminent rower in the world. With an exemplary track record, Radiș is already contemplating her next objective: securing Olympic gold in Los Angeles in 2028.
Although she is accustomed to devoting her time and energy to sports performance, Simona has elected to participate in the campaign "100 Youngsters for Romania's Development," which is spearheaded by the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania. This national initiative is designed to highlight exemplary young individuals who, through their actions, are instrumental in shaping a brighter future for Romania.
Simona Radiș is not merely an Olympic champion; she is an exemplar of ambition, sacrifice, and perseverance. From her origins in Botoșani to the pinnacles of international competition, Simona demonstrates that aspirations can be realised through dedication and hard work. By participating in the "100 Youngsters for Romania's Development" initiative, Simona not only persists in her pursuit of excellence but also becomes a genuine representative of Romanian values.
At the age of 25, Simona Radiș remains a source of national pride and a powerful voice for Romania's future. Having already achieved three Olympic medals, she is an inspiring figure within the country. Her ambition to win gold at Los Angeles 2028 is shared by the entire nation, which will support her every stroke of the oar.
