Phil Minshull (Reuters)
13 July 1999 – Palma de Mallorca, Spain - Romanian Ionela Tirlea was the talk of the World Student Games on Tuesday after her 1999 world best women's 400 metres time of 49.88 seconds. Her run on Monday was arguably the best individual performance in 11 days of competition, emulating the four-title haul of Russian gymnast Svetlana Khorkina and American swimmer Mark Warkentin.
But for a chance encounter 10 years ago, Tirlea may have become a figure skater. "Skating is the other sport I love," she said. Tirlea recalled: "My sister and I accompanied our mother to the hairdressers. That was where I met my future coach, who was also getting a haircut. "She noticed our athletic qualities. She said she would coach us - an offer we could not refuse."
Tirlea's mother at first opposed her daughter spending her time on training.
"My mother did not want me to become a professional athlete. She thought it was better to devote some more time to my studies."
Now the 23-year-old is keeping everyone happy. She reads sports science in the Romanian town of Cluj and combines it with being a major draw on the Grand Prix circuit. She often contests two events at a meeting, switching effortlessly between the 200 metres - she is reigning world indoor champion - 400 metres and the 400 metres hurdles, for which she is European champion. Energetic Tirlea has even dabbled at the 800 metres, making her possibly the most versatile top class athlete in the world.
"I am never tired. It is true that I compete a lot but I can handle it. I am still young and my team needs me," she added.
She had been planning to concentrate on the 400 metres hurdles at the World Championships in Seville, Spain, next month, challenging Morocco's reigning world champion Nezha Bidouane and Jamaica's Atlanta Olympics gold medallist Deon Hemmings. But after Monday's performance, she said she may change events or even try for the 400 flat and hurdles double.
In a recent interview with the International Amateur Athletic Federation magazine, she made it clear her priorities will soon be beyond the track.
"I am only planning two years ahead because I don't want to have children when I am old. I will prepare for Sydney but after that it will be time for kids. If all goes well I will carry on competing but my priority is to be a good mother and wife."
