Article by David Istrate – published on Saturday, June 28, 2025 22:40 / Updated on Saturday, June 28, 2025 23:3
Ileana Silai, one of the legends of Romanian athletics, died at the age of 83. Throughout his career, the athlete from Cluj-Napoca has obtained a medal at the Olympic Games and 3 medals at the European Championships in the hall.
On Friday, June 27, the Romanian Athletics Federation announced the death of Ileana Silai, an important name of Romanian sport. Born in Cluj-Napoca, on October 14, 1941, she participated in 4 editions of the Olympic Games: 1968 (Mexico City), 1972 (Munich), 1976 (Montreal) and 1980 (Moscow).
Ileana Silai, Olympic and European vice champion at 800 m and European champion at 1500 m
Silai specialized in 800 m and 1500 m samples, gathering 4 important medals along a longevive career. Specifically, in 1968, at the Olympic Games, the Romanian athlete took the silver medal at 800 m, being exceeded only by the American Madeline Manning.
Three years later, in Sofia, Silai became a European vice -champion at the same test and, in 1972, she repeated performance. After a few years without international medals, In 1978, Silai became a European champion at 1500 m, in the competition held in Milan.
The silver was also conquered by a Romanian, Natalia Mărășescu, and the bronze returned to the German Brigitte Kraus.
“Today, Romania loses not only a great athlete, but also a symbol of determination, elegance and dignity. Ileana Silai was one of the most valuable athletes in the history of our country, a woman who wore the tricolor with honor, writing her name with golden letters in the history of world athletics,” the Romanian Federation said.
Ileana Silai, first, during the race at the 1968 Olympic Games/Photo: Imago Images
“We leave our foreheads in front of a colossal career and a life lived with passion, sacrifice and nobility.”
According to FRA, Ileana Silai was 16 times national champion and set 28 national recordscompeting until almost 40 years old.
“But, above figures and podiums, Ileana Silai was a bright presence, a modest, brave woman, who dedicated her life to the sport and took the name of Romania to the world with grace and proudly. After withdrawal, she continued to serve athletics, working with children and contributing to the formation of new generation.
Today, at the hour of separation, we leave our foreheads in front of a colossal career and a life lived with passion, sacrifice and nobility. Ileana Silai is no longer among us, but her memory will last in the hearts of all who love the sport and the values she has embodied: perseverance, courage, tireless work and respect”, The Romanian Federation of athletics also transmitted through the social networks.
