体坛英语新闻：Romania to send 96 athletes, 7 reserves to Rio Olympics

BUCHAREST, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The Executive Committee of the Romanian Olympic Committee on Saturday announced their Olympic team for Rio de Janeiro.

The eastern European country decided to send 96 athletes and seven reserves over 16 sports to the Brazilian city, including 18 each from athletics and canoeing.

It is worth noting the presence of 20km race walker Claudia Stef, who had tested positive for the banned drug meldonium. The Romanian Olympic Committee decided to include her in view of the "low concentration" in the sample.

Gymnast Catalina Pono will be the flagbearer at the opening ceremony on August 5, yet the country failed to qualify full team in women's gymnastics for Rio Olympics.

The Romanian women have medaled in the team event at every Olympics dating back to 1976, including gold in 1984, 2000 and 2004.

At the 2012 Olympics in London, Romania participated with 103 athletes in 15 disciplines and left London with nine medals, including two gold, five silver and two bronze.