Dodean-Monteiro Continues to Set the Bar High For Rio 2016

Just over a year on from her marriage to Portugese National Team player Joao Monteiro, Daniela Dodean has recovered from a knee injury and is looking to come back better than ever with her sights firmly set on success at the European Championships with team Romania and the not so far off Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Thanks Daniela for doing this interview with me! :)

Full Name: Daniela Dodean Monteiro
Age: 26
Date Of Birth: 13.01.1988
Nation represented: Romania
Highest World Ranking: 19

Daniela Dodean-Monteiro from Romania

Equipment Used?
Blade: Primorac FL
FH Rubber: Tenergy 05
BH Rubber: Tenergy 05

Your Career How long have you been playing table tennis for, when and how did you start?
I started when I was 6 years old, I followed my brother.

You left home at a young age to train at the Olympic Centre, how difficult was that at such a young age, do you think it was important in developing you into the player you became?
I left home when I was 10 and it was really hard but I think it was a good choice because I developed a lot and I became a strong girl.

Daniela and Husband Joao Monteiro at their wedding

What does it mean to you to have a family involved in table tennis, first through your siblings and now through your husband also? It must be special to have the people you care about in your life share the same vision and passion as you for one sport?
In one way is good because we understand our jobs and we help each other but in other way is very hard because gives a lot of emotions following from outside.

What has been the highlight of your table tennis career so far?
Reaching quarter finals in World Championship and the European titles.

What is your next big goal for table tennis?
Next goal is to win European Championship in teams, We were always too close but haven't won yet.

Who has been your biggest rival out on the table since you started playing?
I don´t have one biggest rival but I think most of them were the players that were around the same age as me.

Congratulations on your recent wedding to Joao Monteiro, will being married change either of your goals for table tennis in the near future, or will you continue to train hard and compete for now?
We had one year of marriage on 7 July and in this year nothing changed, we just get older:)

You won 2 gold medals in doubles at the European Championships with Eliza Samara, what is your goal for 2014? Do you think playing at WSA will bring some extra luck or advantage to you?
I hope 2014 will be better then 2013, WSA for sure can give me advantage.

Where do you think you are currently in your table tennis career? Do you think you have reached your peak or do you think you can still do better and go higher?
In my head is always more, never enough and I think I can do much better.

A big match here for Daniela at the 2012 WTTTC

Are you aiming to compete in Rio 2016?
Yes for sure.

Off the Topic Questions
Who’s your favourite sportsperson of all time?
Nadia Comaneci
Favourite food?
Italian kitchen
What do you do when you aren't playing table tennis?
Spending time with the family,cinema,shopping...
Dream Car? 
Ferrari 458 Italia black-Red Mat color:)
Ideal holiday destination?
Maldives or Bora Bora
First thing you would do if you won $1million.
Hard question…Big party I think:)

And Lastly

Would you like to add one last tip, or an inspirational message for other table tennis players looking to succeed?
My tip is, work your body to be prepared for a high level in table tennis.