Imre wins first medal for Romania, silver in 500-m short-track race

Emil Imre won the first medal for Romania at the ongoing European Youth Olympic Winter Festival (EYOWF) 2013, silver in the men's 500-metre short-track race at the Poiana Brasov rink (central Romania).

Imre clocked 44 seconds 188/1000, coming after Russia's Denis Airapetian, 44sec152/1000, with Leonard Palla of Italy coming third with 44sec333/1000.

Barely seconds after winning Romania's first medal, Imre, from CSS Miercurea Ciuc sports club, was surrounded by reporters and officials.

«I dedicate this medal to my parents. I want to thank the federation and the school where I have trained. I want, by all means, to take part in the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. I will not compete for a medal, but the important thing is for me to be there», Imre said.

He explained he has only one pair of skates, which he uses both for training and running in

The Romanian Olympic and Sport Committee chairman Octavian Morariu congratulated the Romanian medallist at the Poiana Brasov ice rink.

Romania had won only four bronze medals at the previous EYOWF editions.

Adapted from Romania-insider