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The name of Vasile Dîba is written with golden letters in the history of Romanian canoeing. Vasile Dîba was the first Romanian kayaker who won Olympic gold medal in canoe sprint. He claimed Olympic Champion title in 1976 in Montreal in men's K1 500 metres event. At the same Olympic Games, he also won bronze medal in men's K1 1000 metres event.

 

Four years later Dîba enriched his medals collection by two more Olympic medals. In Moscow (1980), he won silver medal in men's K4 1000 metres event and a bronze medal in men's K1 500 metres event. He also competed in 1984 in Los Angeles.

 

These were not the only medals he won at major international competitions. During his successful career, he won seven medals at World Championships. He was crowned World Champion at five occasions: in 1974 in Mexico City he won in men's K1 500 metres final and also in K1 4x500 metres event, in 1977 in Sofia he won gold medals in K1 500 meters and K1 1000 metres final, and in 1978 he became World Champion in Belgrade in the K1 500 metres event. In Belgrade, but three years earlier (1975) he also won two silver medals - in K1 500 meters event and in K1 4x500 metres race.

 

Vasile Dîba was discovered at the age of 15 by retired coach Igor Lipalit, who introduced him to the world of canoeing in his hometown of Jurilovca. In 1970, he moved to Tulcea and was then transferred to Dinamo. After a short period, he returned to Tulcea, continuing his kayak training for two years, until 1972, when he was recalled to Dinamo.

 

For his outstanding achievements, he received the title of Emeritus Master of Sports and was decorated with the Order of Labour Class I (1976), the Order of Sports Merit Class II (1981) and the Order of Sports Merit Class I (2004).

 

We would like to express sincere condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace.