Maria Mihalache – Biography

Maria Mihalache is a Romanian sprinter and model who has established herself as one of Romania’s premier track and field athletes. Hailing from Bucharest, Mihalache has become a dominant force in sprint events, representing her country on the international stage with distinction and determination.

Athletic Career & Accomplishments

Early Beginnings

Mihalache’s journey into athletics began in an unexpected way. As a child, she would regularly race against her older brother and consistently beat him. Her parents noticed her natural speed and decided to take her to a local track, marking the beginning of what would become an illustrious athletic career. While she initially participated in endurance events and won several cross-country races, Mihalache’s true passion lay in sprinting, where she would eventually become Romania’s leading junior sprinter.

Training & Coaching

Mihalache is a member of CS Olimpia-CS Rapid, where she trains under coach Mihăiță Băloi. Her dedication to the sport has required immense discipline and sacrifice, including strict attention to nutrition, sleep schedules, and training regimens that limit her social activities during competitive seasons.

Major Achievements

National Championships:

• 13-time National Champion across various sprint disciplines
• 1-time National Indoor Champion
• Multiple national titles in the 100 meters and 200 meters at both junior and senior levels
• Won her first senior national titles in 2022 in both the 100 meters and 200 meters
• Three-time national champion in the 4×400 meter and 4×100 meter relays (senior level)

International Competitions:

• 2025 Balkan Athletics Indoor Championships – Gold medal in the 60 meters (Belgrade)
• 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships – Semi-finalist in the 60 meters with a personal best of 7.26 seconds (Apeldoorn)
• 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships – Represented Romania (Nanjing)
• 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships – Finished ninth overall in the 100 meters (Nairobi)
• Notable recognition as the 9th fastest girl in the world in 2021 in her age category

Personal Bests

• 60 meters: 7.26 seconds (March 9, 2025)
• 100 meters: 11.58 seconds (June 29, 2024)
• 200 meters: 23.67 seconds (July 16, 2021)
• 4×100 meter relay: 46.41 seconds (July 8, 2023)

Records

• U23 National Record Holder in the 60 meters
• Currently ranked #301 in the World Athletics Women’s 100m rankings

Education & Academic Pursuits

Maria Mihalache has successfully balanced her athletic career with her academic ambitions. She graduated from high school with impressive marks, achieving a 9.00 on her BAC (Romanian baccalaureate exam). Her commitment to education extends beyond secondary school, as she is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the Romanian Facultatea de Sport (Faculty of Sport).

Earlier in her academic journey, Mihalache expressed aspirations to study in the United States on an athletic scholarship, demonstrating her desire to combine elite athletics with higher education opportunities abroad.

Career Beyond the Track

Modeling & Fashion

Beyond her accomplishments in track and field, Mihalache has developed a successful modeling career and maintains a strong passion for fashion. She completed a five-month modeling course where she learned runway walking, posing techniques, and professional presentation. She has participated in various fashion shows and presentations, embracing her love for being in the spotlight.

Sponsorships

Mihalache is a Nike-sponsored athlete, representing the iconic brand as she competes internationally.

Personal Interests & Aspirations

Mihalache has been open about her dreams and the sacrifices required to achieve them. Her ultimate goal is to compete at the Olympic Games, an aspiration she acknowledges is challenging in her competitive sprint events but one she refuses to abandon. She has stated, “I want to reach the Olympics. It is very hard in the event I practice, but I will not give up.”

Her bedroom serves as a testament to her dedication, filled with the medals and trophies she has accumulated over years of hard work. “I have a room full of medals and I’m very happy, I’ll always find space for them. It’s my work for years and I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved,” she has said.

Her fashion interests complement her athletic career, and she enjoys expressing herself through style and modeling when she’s not training or competing. This dual passion for athletics and fashion has allowed her to build a multifaceted public persona that extends beyond the track.

Character & Dedication

Maria Mihalache’s story is one of discipline, passion, and unwavering commitment. From the moment she outran her older brother as a child to becoming a multiple national champion and international competitor, she has demonstrated the work ethic and determination necessary to excel at the highest levels of sport. Her ability to balance rigorous training schedules, academic pursuits, and modeling work showcases her exceptional time management and dedication to excellence in all aspects of her life.

As she continues to pursue her Olympic dreams while completing her master’s degree and exploring opportunities in fashion, Maria Mihalache represents the modern athlete—talented, educated, and multifaceted—inspiring young Romanian athletes to pursue their own dreams with the same passion and dedication she brings to the track every day.

Go Noelle!