Victor MANTA, PWO
While I was doing research in the Michel Catalog (Mi) for an article, I came across the name of a Romanian Olympic champion who was rather unknown to me: Leon Rotman. His name is related to the set “ Romanian Winners of Gold Medals at The Olympic Games”, issued on November 30, 1964 by the Romanian Post (Figures 1, 2).
Figure 1. Perforate stamp Mi. No. 3245
These two stamps were, at least in theory, dedicated to the performance of Leon Rotman.
Figure 2. Imperforate stamp Mi. No. 3253
Figures 3 - 4 are images of the Olympic gold medals that were awarded at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956.
Figures 3 - 4. Olympic medal Melbourne 1956
Leon Rotman
I searched the web and I was surprised to find that Leon Rotman was awarded not one, but two gold medals in Melbourne, for winning two titles in two different canoe competitions. [3] He thus became the first Romanian double Olympic champion ever (Figure 5).
Figure 5. Leon Rotman, Romania Double Olympic Champion
The great champion himself told why he was forgotten in an interview with Gazeta Sporturilor, in 2010, at the age of 76 years. The old canoe competitor made this accusation: “After I was no longer able to row, I was not allowed to coach either the club or the Olympic team. Till then I was a good Romanian, then I become just a Jew who was shunned by everyone.” [2]. More information about Leon Rotman, related to his origin, story and victories can be found by following the links listed in References 3 - 6.
Angelica Rozeanu - Adelstein
This sad story made me think of another champion whom I heard about in my early youth7, but who quickly disappeared from the Romanian press in the years 1960 - 1990: Angelica Rozeanu – Adelstein (Figure 6).
Figure 6. Angelica Roseanu. Table Tennis Champion
I was surprised to find that she won no less than 17 world titles in table tennis. Angelica Rozeanu was also the first Romanian sportswoman to become a world champion. She reached the peak of her career at the World Table Tennis Championships held in Bucharest in 1953, where she won championships in all four competitions in which she participated [8]. Figures 7 - 8 are two stamps issued by the Romanian Post to commemorate the memorable event. Figures 9 – 10 are the medals the winners were awarded.
Figures 7 - 8. World Table Tennis Championship Bucharest 1953. Stamps.
Why did the former communist regime forget Angelica Rozeanu, who was not only a great sportswoman, but who also reached the position of President of the Romanian Table Tennis Commission and the holder of the Order of Work? [8]. We learn from the internet that: “After having left the country in 1960 because of reasons related to her Jewish origin, Angelica Rozeanu is now living in Israel.” The great champion said in the same 2004 article: “I gave up everything and I left (Romania). It hurt me to withdraw from the sport. I was not allowed to use the paddle anymore. I took only my daughter with me. Actually, I ran (illegally and didn't return)” [9].
For more information about the origin, life, struggle and victories of Angelica Rozeanu please visit the sites mentioned in the References 10 - 11.
Figures 9 - 10. World Table Tennis Championship Bucharest 1953. Medal.
Conclusion
So here we have two great champions who share a similar fate, due to a communist regime that was careful to conceal its persecutions against national minorities while providing an avalanche of propaganda about the full equality of rights of all citizens. Freedom of the press, which was one of the consequences of the fall of the regime, has allowed us to learn more about these great champions who were doomed to oblivion. Now the time has come to start honoring their names and sporting performances as they fully deserve.
Reference
(Note: some links point to pages written in Romanian).
