Cezar Bădiţă – the pedagogue of passion taken to the Olympic level

Interview with Cezar Bădiţă, finalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics

The personality of Professor Cezar Bădiţă, a finalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, can be easily “read” thanks to the achievements he has obtained over time as a high-performance athlete, as well as the impact he has had on the progress of those who wish to take their first steps, improving their skills in the field that Prof. Bădiţă represents with such enthusiasm.

Coming from a family with a tradition in water sports, where both his father and brother achieved notable results in these sports, Cezar Bădiţă is a promoter of swimming, believing that sports contribute to the development of the need for movement, as well as the appreciation of beauty.

We all have different inclinations and are attracted to various things, to which we give more or less attention. How did you begin your journey into the world of swimming?

On my paternal side, I come from a family of Olympic athletes, with my father being one of the world’s most prominent water polo players at that time. Alexandru Bădiță participated in two editions of the Olympic Games, namely the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and the 1960 Rome Olympics, where he was recognized as the world’s best center position player in 1958.

My older brother, Horațiu Bădiță, was one of the most valuable swimmers of his time and won medals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

As the saying goes, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” I, too, became an Olympic finalist in my own right as an athlete

What do you enjoy the most about the sport you have practiced at a high-performance level and through which you currently guide novices or those who wish to improve their practice?

What I enjoy the most is the complexity of such a challenge and the science that underlies this discipline. Being a swimming instructor, I have the opportunity to work with dynamic individuals of all ages who aim to improve their skills in this field.

Building upon the idea of “a healthy mind in a healthy body,” swimming is a discipline that can be practiced at any level, providing immediate benefits.

Every success is the culmination of hours of hard work, effort, and focus, dedicated to taking one’s passion to a high-performance level. What is your most cherished victory, and what makes it so special?

From a sporting perspective, although there are still many national records that have not been surpassed or equalled, both in the junior and senior categories, some of them standing for over three decades, I believe my most valuable and beautiful achievement was qualifying for the 400m individual medley final at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. I won my heat and secured the fourth qualification spot in the world, alongside the strongest athletes of that time.

Regarding my professional side, I take pride in having taught over 8,000 children and over 5,000 adults throughout the nearly twenty-five years of my career as a swimming instructor at the Energy Swim Club.

What are the criteria that differentiate a competitive swimmer from other swimmers, and how do you view this competitiveness?

The evaluation criteria for an athlete are complex and involve a significant period of time, approximately ten years. During this time, athletes are required to demonstrate various sport-specific skills, starting from conduct and motor abilities and extending to dexterity and the ability to sustain excellent efforts.

What other sports do you practice or enjoy besides swimming?

I practice various disciplines, especially outdoor sports, whenever I have the opportunity, depending on the season. I particularly enjoy kayaking, but I also have a strong interest in cycling and scuba diving.

Any form of exercise contributes to both physical and mental well-being. What are the benefits of swimming compared to other forms of training?

Swimming is the only form of exercise that engages all sections of the body simultaneously without putting significant pressure on the vertebrae. It is an excellent choice for those looking to tone their body, enhance physical fitness, and achieve optimal health. It is also beneficial for individuals undergoing physical recovery due to medical reasons or those aiming to lose weight.

Engaging in exercise during pregnancy, with the approval of an obstetrician, is beneficial. Is swimming recommended and safe as a form of exercise for pregnant women?

Yes, definitely! Swimming does not have contraindications as long as it is not practiced at a very intense level. It is a discipline with the lowest risk of injury and one of the few activities that are allowed and even recommended for pregnant women.

Movement is an integral component of your life. How do you motivate individuals to lead an active lifestyle?

I am a proponent of movement. Sport contributes to developing the need for physical activity and a taste for beauty. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, relieves stress, and helps us lead an active life, maintain an optimal immune system, robust health, and a strong mental state.

There is no age limit to movement!
It is never too late for anyone to take their first steps towards swimming, and for those who are not convinced, I invite them to give it a try. I warmly welcome them to the Energy Swim Club – inot-club.ro.