Hard work has made it easy. That is my secret. That is why I win.

It was good to be a kid because I did not realise all the things that came with the success. Going to the Games, I was asked what I expected to do.

I know how to smile, I know how to laugh, I know how to play. But I know how to do these things only after I have fulfilled my mission.

My marriage to my husband, Bart Conner in 1996 is my proudest personal moment.

Romanians have a saying, 'Not every dog has a bagel on its tail.' It means that not all streets are paved with gold. When I began my career, I just wanted to do cartwheels.

Of course, I grew up in Communist Romania, but I am happy to say that now our country is democratic, and prospering, since the revolution in 1989.

I have had a few turning points, the first day I entered a gymnastics school at age 6.