OUR GYM
In September of 2003 Cristina Bontas and her husband, Gabriel (Gabi) Tantaru, opened the doors to their gym for the very first time. A long journey and tremendous dedication led to their moment of pride...recently immigrated to Canada (without any family supports here) from their homeland of Romania and just given birth to their first of two children, just to name a few!!
Since the opening of World Class Gymnastics, Cristina and Gabi, as well as the many other qualified and caring coaches have been assisting young gymnasts to learn the fundamentals of gymnastics in a manner that respects each individuals' comfort level and ability. These gymnasts are coached and supported through the process of developing new skills and competences and building upon existing ones. All in an effort to to aid children in striving to be the best they can be!! Fun is ALWAYS first though!!!
About CRISTINA
Coached by the legendary Nadia Comaneci until Nadia's defection, and later by Mihai Sandulescu, Cristina Bontas was the surprise top Romanian at the 1989 World Championships, finishing ahead of the great Daniela Silivas and just behind the trio of Soviet medalists (Boguinskaia, Laschenova and Strazheva). While the 1989 World Championships were certainly Bontas' coming out party, she had been waiting in the wings for quite some time (she was actually the second - and therefore non-travelling - alternate on the 1988 Olympic team).
Following the 1989 World Championships, Bontas continued to assert her position as the new leader of the Romanian team - big shoes to fill after the legendary Silivas. Bontas led the Romanian effect at the 1990 World Cup, finishing a disappointing 6th place but less than .30 out of first place. Pegged as one to watch at the 1991 World Championships, Bontas did not disappoint, winning the bronze in the AA and tying for gold on the FX with the Soviet's Chusovitina. Interestingly, in their December 1991 issue, IG points out that tie between a Soviet and a Romanian on floor was the third in a row on that event at worlds. In 1987 Shushunova (URS) tied Daniela Silivas (ROM), and in 1989 Boguinskaia (URS) tied Daniela Silivas (ROM).
By this point, Bontas was certainly expected to lead the Romanians at the 1992 Olympics. Although she placed a respectable 4th AA and tied for third on FX, it was team member Lavinia Milosovici who shined in Barcelona, finishing 3rd overall, tying for first on vault and finishing first on floor.
Following the 1992 Olympics, Bontas moved to Milan, Italy for a short period. She returned to Romania to study at the Institute of Physical Education in Bucharest and work as a commentator for Romanian TV. After completing her studies, she coached briefly in Romania before accepting a 12 month contract with the Ellan Vannin Gymnastics Club, located on the small island north of Wales called The Isle Of Man. According to Gym Stars, the generous Bontas gave five of her old leotards to some of the gymnasts in her group.
When the contract was up, Bontas immigrated to Canada to coach here in Hamilton. She went back to Romania in 1998 to marry, returning to Canada without husband Gabi Tantaru while they waited for his immigration papers. After several months, her husband was able to join her in Canada, he too coaching at a Hamilton mountain gym.
In May of 1999, Bontas gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Elissa. The couple also have a son, Eric, born in April 2002. Both of her children are a constant and delightful presence at the gym.
In September 2003, Bontas and her husband opened World Class Gymnastics and it has grown in leaps and bounds since that time. The club offers programming that ranges from recreational, pre-competitive, to competitive and serves children aged 2 and up.
Cristina's Medal Total (Just the highlights!!)
Olympics: 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
Worlds: 1 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze
World Cup: 1 Bronze
Europeans: 1 Silver, 2 Bronze