Larisa Iordache, Team Romania





As a first year senior, Larisa Iordache has made herself one to watch. Thus far in 2012, Iordache has led the Romanians to a gold medal finish at the European Championships as well as individually earning a gold medal on floor and a silver on the balance beam. At the American Cup in March, Iordache placed third in the all-around competition behind U.S. Olympic team members Jordyn Wieber and Aly Raisman.

During her junior career, Iordache competed at the 2010 Junior Europeans, earning gold on the floor exercise, silver on the beam, bronze in the all-around and led the Romanian team to a silver medal finish. She was just out of reach for a medal on the vault, finishing fourth in event finals. At the 2011 European Youth Olympic Festival, Iordache won a total of six medals. Among those medals were a gold in the all-around, floor and balance beam as well as silver with the Romanian team and individually on the vault and uneven bars.

Iordache will be representing Romania in London and with her high difficulty scores, she is a major contender for a gold medal. Iordache and Ponor will be heavily relied on in the team final competition. 

Interesting Facts

• Her score of 15.95 on balance beam is the highest of any gymnast in 2012.
  
• Iordache's beam routine contains difficult elements such as a backspring to full twist and a triple twist dismount.
• Her difficulty scores on beam (6.8) and floor (6.4) are among the highest in the world.
• Iordache is hoping to master the Amanar vault for London, which will boost her D-score on vault from 5.8 to 6.5.
• She has an older brother, Razvan, who plays soccer.

Iordache's beam routine which earned a 15.95, currently the highest of any gymnast in 2012!

Watch more video of Larisa Iordache on gymnastike.org