Neue Banater Zeitung. August 19, 1981. Gertrude Emilia Eberle is often accorded fewer accolades by experts than other gymnasts; yet, it is she who typically ends up claiming the laurels - hard-earned successes. The Universiade was no exception. While Nadia may have won more gold medals, Trudi proved herself in no way inferior to the 'star of stars.' Recently, she was back in Arad visiting her parents, and the gymnastics fairy - now eighteen years old - invited us over for a chat, as she always does. Accompanied by her first coach, Geza Weinert, and Professor Stefen Ziegler (Chairman of SC Arad, to whom Trudi has gifted her most prized medals) we arrived at the house on Halmageanu Street in the Pirneava district, the Eberle family home. There, admidst the greenery and flowers, we saw a different girl altogether - a spirited, frolicking youngster - quite unlike the figure we are accustomed to seeing on our television screens. For when the cameras are rolling, she can only smile 'on demand.'
"That is simply how it is. At competitions, I constantly have to be reminded to put on a friendly face. I know that a smile can soften the cold hearts of the judges, but the competition consumes me so completely that I focus exclusively on the athletic performance."
Q: But why so taciturn?
A: Journalists besiege me daily, ambushing me with the most outlandish questions. I can't just go around chirping like a swallow all the time...
Q: What do the three gold medals from the Universiade mean to you?
A: It was my first major success on home soil, and that makes me especially happy.
Q: Which is your favorite medal?
A: The one from Fort Worth!
Q: Now that you're back home, what do you plan to do?
A: I've visited all my relatives, and today I'd like to go fishing for a change.
Q: We know that you have a real fondness for dolls. Have you acquired a new favorite?
A: My dearest one right now is that little doll over there in the cart woven from rice straw. She comes from Japan.
Q: Do you have a boyfriend?
A: Boys don't interest me just yet; I have more important things to do.
Q: How do you feel about Nadia?
A: Great.
Q: They say she's going to give up competitive gymnastics.
A: People were saying that back in 1976. In any case, she'll be competing at the World Championships in Moscow, too.
Q: Your vacation lasts only a few days. What happens next at the training center in Deva?
A: We train for six hours every day, intensively.
Q: The World Championships in Moscow won't wait. Do you fancy your chances for a medal at the World Championships?
A: I will head to Moscow well prepared. Every movement must be flawless; I want to present a highly-polished program. Then we shall see how the medals are distributed. In any case, I am an optimist. An incorrigible optimist.
Q: Do you know what homesickness is?
A: Oh, yes! But my parents and my brother come to visit often, so it's all bearable.
Q: When can we see you in Arad again?
A: At New Year's.
Q: Why are you so restless, and why do you keep looking at the door?
A: I'm worried about my dog, Rita. I gave her a little too much ice this morning...
Q: By the way, how was the Universiade?
A: The sporting events were excellently organized. The gymnastics competition, at any rate, was world-class.
Q: How did the school year turn out?
A: I achieved an average grade of 10.
Q: Is there a lot of talk about sports in your home?
A: Of course. After all, Mom was a gymnast too.
Q: Do you have a request for the people of Arad?
A: I would really like to see the Sports Council finally complete the promised display cabinet, in which I could showcase my medals and other prizes to the public.
Q: Which competitors command your respect?
A: Filatova, Zakharova, and the Chinese gymnasts - who are really on the rise.
Q: Trudi, we'd like to say goodbye and wish you bon appetit, as your Mother is already waiting with lunch.
A: Just a moment longer - you simply must take a picture of Rita and me!
We were happy to accept this invitation. And we certainly don't want to keep the photo from our readers.
J. LEIB