Ioana Popova

by Sonia Davies

A working wife and mother of two who lives in Llanelli

Best known for:

National Choreographer for Welsh Gymnastics.

Strongly linked with Llanelli Rhythmics Gymastics Academy.

Early life:

Ioana was born in Gabrova, middle Bulgaria. Gabrovo is well-known for its comedy artists and fringe-style entertainment. Together with her family,she moved to the country's capital, Sophia, at the age of two. Her mother was a social worker, and her father was a factory worker.

At the age of six, she started serious rhythmic gymnastics training. When she was ten, Ioana started competing for her club, and five years later, she was picked for the Olympic Hope Squad.

In 1988, Ioana took part in Bulgaria's National Group Championships for rhythmic gymnastics, and was successful as part of the winning team. She was also a member of the Bulgarian National Squad, one of the top ten in her country.

Ioana went on to study and train at Sophia's Sports Academy, specialising in P.E. to achieve a coaching degree.

In 2009, Ioana won the Welsh Performance Coach of the Year, and was selected to be the GB coach when the British team competed in Portimao.

Ioana is fluent in Bulgarian, English and can also speak Russian.

Career:

Ioana's first job was as a coach at a SportsSchool in Sophia, where she worked with young children. Her post was as a development officer for gymnastics.

Local Llanelli coach, Linda Thomas, was introduced to Ioana via a mutual friend, and Ioana's fate was sealed! She arrived here in Wales in 2000.

Ioana is a pivotal member of the Llanelli Rhythmic Academy coaching team, and has worked with this successful club for over ten years.

She is now National Choreographer for Welsh Gymnastics, and works over 37 hours a week, commuting regularly to Cardiff and Swansea. Ioana is very committed to our local club, Llanelli Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy, and trains our local gymnasts there each week.

Love life:

Ioana has been married to Peter Popov, also from Bulgaria, for 16 years. Peter works in Swansea. They have two children, a son aged 7 and a daughter aged 5, both born in Wales. The children attend school locally.

Don't mention:

Spiders.

Favourite Quote:

"How do I sort my day out, today?!"

What I like best about Llanelli:

"I lived in Cardiff for four years. We moved because I had friends in Llanelli. I find the people here extremely friendly, more so than anywhere else in the UK, they are lovely!"

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