Ileana Silai

For more than a decade Ileana Silai was one of the best middle-distance runners in Romania, winning 16 national titles, setting 28 national records, and becoming a European Indoor champion. Silai was a national champion in the 400 metres, but specialised in both the 800 and 1,500 metres during her career. After placing 12th in the 800 metres at the 1966 European Championships, she went on to win silver in the event at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Silai then won silver in the 800 metres at the 1971 European Indoor Championships to earn herself a place at the 1972 München Olympics. At the Games she reached the final, where she finished sixth in a tight race.

In the second half of her career Silai began to compete in the 1,500 metres as well as the 800 metres. She ran in both events at the 1976 Montréal Olympics, reaching the semi-finals of the 800 metres. Two years later she became the European Indoor champion in the 1,500 metres, winning gold in Milano just ahead of her compatriot Natalia Mărășescu.

One year later, however, Silai was given an 18-month ban for doping, but was reinstated after just eight months to allow her to compete at the 1980 Moskva Olympics. Despite the controversy surrounding her, Silai took to the start line for the 1,500 metres at the Games and placed eighth. Following her retirement she moved to Germany to live with her husband in München.

Personal Bests: 800 – 1:57.39 (1977); 1500 – 3:58.5 (1979).