clarinews@clarinet.com (MARTIN LADER, UPI Sports Writer) (02/02/90)
NEW YORK (UPI) -- Romanian track star Doina Melinte, the indoor mile world record holder, was some 180 miles from Bucharest when revolution began sweeping her country in December. She soon found herself caught up in the overthrow of President Nicolae Ceausescu and the creation of a new government. She spoke in a stadium with more than 20,000 people in Bacau, ``and I told them I was happy about the events taking place.'' ``I took part in meetings in my own city with satisfaction and happiness and with the desire to make known the freedom of Romania abroad,'' said Melinte, who was elected to the National Salvation Front of her town. Melinte, the 800-meter champion in the Los Angeles Olympics, where she also took silver in the 1,500, was able to continue training. But the intensity was lacking, and she isn't sure just how far behind she may be. ``I trained every day, but not in a normal, psychological situation,'' Melinte said Thursday, one day before she competes in the Panasonic Millrose Games in Madison Square Garden. ``I was in an area where I knew nothing bad could happen, but everyone was affected. ``I was on my campus at the time and I was very emotional, so I had to cry before the TV. I was happy for the young generation in my country because it was the young people who created the revolution and helped us to side with other free democratic countries.'' Melinte, speaking through an interpreter, Ioan Voicu, minister counsellor and charge d'affaires of Romania to the United Nations, said one change she expects from a new government is to allow her to keep the money she earns from track. Until now, prize money earned by Romanians went to the Sports Federation, and Melinte received a salary as a professor of sports. The money issue could take on new meaning next week, since Melinte would earn a $100,000 bonus if she breaks her world record at the Vitalis Invitational in East Rutherford, N.J., Feb. 9. Melinte set the record of 4:18.86 at the Meadowlands Arena Feb. 13, 1988. ``That particular law should be abrogated,'' Melinte said of the current situation in her country, then added, ``You can't change everything at the same time.'' However, she indicated she had reason to believe she would be able to keep at least a portion of her earnings. Melinte, 33, said she might retire next year, but was vague when asked if that meant she wouldn't compete in the 1992 Olympics. With hesitance, she was critical of compatriot Nadia Comaneci, the Olympic gymnastics champion who defected to the United States late last year, primarily because of the way Comaneci intruded on another family. Melinte said she, too, had had chances to defect, but never seriously considered them. ``There is an old saying,'' she explained. ``Be the bread as bad as it can be, it's better to eat that bread in your own country.''