Russia's Paralympic Judo Champion comes from Chisinau

Oleg Cretu, Russia's fresh Paralympic Judo Champion in the 90kg weight division revealed today at a news conference in Chisinau he is a native of Moldova and he wished he had represented his motherland in Beijing, but was unable to do so for financial reasons, Info-Prim Neo reports. “I love my country and I wished I had heard the Moldova anthem as I mounted the victory podium. I owe a big one to those in Chisinau for supporting me”. The athlete explained that an accident suffered several years ago made him seek surgical treatment in Moscow, which, besides, proved very expensive. “The cost of the surgeries and other financial reasons determined me to compete under the Russian flag at the Paralympic Games in Beijing”, the champion said. His coach, Victor Gliga, said that Cretu demonstrated exceptional skills at the Games. “We hope we'll have better training conditions at the Sports Arena in Chisinau and a better financial motivation from the Moldovan authorities. We intend to return to Chisinau for trainings starting in January 2009”, Gliga concluded.