Melina Druta interview.   Melina was featured in the '99 I.G. Steaua article as one of the Romania's most promising juniors. Hindered by injury, Melina is now confident to be able to represent Romania:   Melina, tell us briefly about you. -I am 15 years old (date of birth: 24/05/1987) and now I do gymnastics in Deva. I like swimming swimming, shopping and tennis, also skiing, dancing and music ( Britney Spears, Backstreets Boys). I have one brother (Marius Aurelian). He's 21 years old. Did you injure yourself before? -Yes, I injured my knee. They operated me in November 25th 2001 and after that I stayed in Bucharest (at home) to recover. I started training again in mid February 2002 (the 15th) at Deva. Now I'll be staying in Deva until the end of my career. My knee is fine now, it doesn't give me any pain. You have competed in a few international competitions? -Yes, I've been twice to France (Saint Just/Saint Lambert, Le Puy en Velay). One was a France vs Romania junior competition, which our team won and I came 1st of the AA. I've also been to Hawai for the I.t.c. Our team came second (to the Usa). Hawai is the best place in the World, as everything is so beautiful, there are beaches and palm trees everywhere. What did you do while injured? -I tried my best to recover. For New Year I was at home, and in my free time i listened to music, I played with my brother's computer, I watched Tv. It was your birthday recently, how did you celebrate it? -I had a slice of cake and drank some children's champagne. For a present, I received money (my teammates gathered money instead of a present). It wasn't such a nice birthday, but I couldn't do anything else. Who are your best friends in Deva? How do you train? -My best friends are Christina Antonescu, Andreea Vladoi, Iuliana Chindea and Florenta Oancea (who has now left due to injury). I train 6 hours a day. Who are your fave gymnasts? -I like Elena Zamolodchikova, Sara Moro, Verona Van de Leur, Andreea Raducan and all the French team. I don't like Svetlana Khorkina. How will you train this summer? -With the same programm day after day here in Deva. My favourite apparatus are first Beam, then Bars, Vault and lastly Floor. Tell us 2 different facts about yourself? -I like dogs and the 'Titanic' movie. Thanks, and good luck and success! -Thank you, Multunesc! (in Romanian!). (Interview by Susan Hamilton).