Born: 1972 (Romania)
Biography:
Aurelia Dobre, born on November 16, 1972, is a former artistic gymnast who became a legendary figure in the world of gymnastics. Her noteworthy achievements include being crowned the 1987 world all-around champion, a feat that solidified her status as one of the sport’s most exceptional athletes. In addition to this prestigious title, Dobre also claimed the world champion title on the balance beam, as well as a bronze medal on both the vault and floor exercise during the 1987 championships. Impressively, she achieved a perfect score of 10 five times throughout the competition, a testament to her incredible skill and precision.
Dobre’s contributions to the Romanian gymnastics team were undeniable, as she played a key role in securing the silver medal for the team at the 1988 Summer Olympics. She further bolstered the team’s success by helping them secure another silver medal at the 1989 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. However, despite her undeniable talent and immense potential, Dobre’s career encountered major setbacks due to two significant injuries and an unexpected growth spurt.
One notable aspect of Dobre’s career is her initial recognition as the youngest world all-around champion ever. At the age of 14 years and 352 days, she captured the world’s attention and admiration. However, it was later discovered that Olga Bicherova’s age had been falsified at the 1981 World Championships, and Bicherova had actually won the title at the age of 13. Nonetheless, Dobre’s achievements remain significant and her impact on the sport cannot be understated.
Following her retirement from competitive gymnastics, Dobre would go on to receive various accolades and recognition for her contributions to the sport. She was honored at the Romanian Gymnastics Federation’s 100-year anniversary celebration and was officially recognized as one of the Romanian gymnasts to have achieved a perfect 10. In May 2016, she was further celebrated as she earned induction into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, solidifying her legacy as one of the sport’s most influential figures.
Beyond her career in gymnastics, Dobre embarked on a new chapter of her life when she moved to the United States in 1991 and subsequently married Iranian gymnastics coach Boz Mofid in 1992. Together, they have four sons who have become well-known YouTube personalities: Cyrus, Darius, and twins Lucas and Marcus.
Dobre’s passion for gymnastics continued to thrive even after her retirement as she became a choreographer and dance coach at the Dobre Gymnastics Academy in Maryland. However, in 2020, she made the decision to retire from coaching and close the academy, marking the end of an era in her involvement with the sport. Nonetheless, her impact on gymnastics will be forever remembered, and her contribution to the growth and development of the sport is immeasurable.
Awards:
– 1987 World All-Around Champion
– 1987 World Champion on Balance Beam
– Bronze Medalist on Vault and Floor Exercise at the 1987 World Championships
– Member of the silver-medal-winning Romanian team at the 1988 Summer Olympics
– Member of the silver-medal-winning Romanian team at the 1989 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships
– Inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in May 2016