15 Facts About Simona Pop

Simona Pop nee Deac was born on 25 December 1988 and is a retired Romanian epee fencer, bronze medallist at the 2015 European Championships, team silver medallist in the 2015 World Fencing Championships and team European champion in 2014 and 2015.

Simona Pop took up fencing at CS Satu Mare, one of the main fencing centres in Romania, under the coaching of Francisc Csiszar who went on to train her for twelve years.

Simona Pop obtained her bacalaureat, majoring in mathematics and computer science, at the Mihai Eminescu National College.

Simona Pop studies accounting and information management at the Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad.

Simona Pop earned a silver medal at the 2008 Junior World Championships in Acireale, then at the 2009 Summer Universiade in Belgrade.

Simona Pop was briefly selected into the national team during the injury of team captain Ana Maria Branza, then served as reserve upon Branza's return.

Simona Pop became Romania's number 2 in the reshuffling that followed the 2012 Summer Olympics and the retirement of Simona Gherman, Anca Maroiu, and Loredana Dinu.

Simona Pop transferred to CSA Steaua Bucuresti, of which national team colleagues Branza and Maria Udrea are members.

Simona Pop ranked 16th in the European Championships in Zagreb, but won a silver medal in the team event.

Simona Pop made it to the semi-finals in the 2013 Summer Universiade in Kazan, but was defeated by China's Sun Yiwen and took a bronze medal.

Simona Pop finished the season No 26 in World rankings, a career best as of 2014.

Simona Pop was the first Romanian to win her bout against the Russians, allowing Branza to equalize, then Gherman to close the match on a Romania victory.

At the World Championships in Kazan, Simona Pop was defeated by Auriane Mallo in the preliminary table of 64.

Simona Pop competed for Romania at the 2016 Summer Olympics in both the individual and team events.

Simona Pop was the flag bearer for Romania during the closing ceremony.