Judoka Denis Vieru and wrestlers Anastasia Nikita and Victor Ciobanu were named the best athletes of 2019. They were awarded at the Sports Gala staged by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, IPN reports.

It is for the first time that three persons were named athletes of the year.

“Why three? Because the results they achieved were practically equal in value. The commission made such a decision and I welcomed it. It is an expert commission with people working in the field,” said secretary of state at the Ministry Ion Gheorghiu.

The coach of the squad of Greco-Roman wrestlers Mihai Cucu was named the best trainer the second year in a row.

Swimmer Tatiana Salcuţan won the Revelation of the Year award, while the Talent of the Year award went to judoka Victor Sterpu.