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Coming home

Romania gives Raducan a hero's welcome

Andreea Raducan was stripped of her gold medal after testing positive for a banned substance found in a cough medicine. AP

BUCHAREST, Romania (CNNSI.com) - Romanians are bitter over a cold-medicine dispute that stripped Andreea Raucan of a gold medal, but they showed their enthusiasm for her Saturday. About 1,000 well-wishers welcomed home Raducan.

"It is a lovely surprise on my birthday," said Raducan, who turned 17 while en route from Sydney. "I am sure I need a rest."

President Emil Constantinescu escorted the 4-foot-10 gymnast from the aircraft. A brass band played the national anthem.

Clutching two enormous bouquets of flowers, she raced into her parents' arms.

"She is my golden girl," sobbed her mother, Simina.

Her supporters denounced the decision to cancel her victory in the women's all-around competition after testing positive for pseudoephedrine, a banned stimulant found in cold pills. She was allowed to keep a silver medal in the vault and the team gold. Romanians said the medicine was prescribed by a team doctor, and even the International Olympic Committee agreed that Andreea was not to blame.

"They stole her medal and they mocked our athletes," said Aurica Bufu, 62, who brought along a teen fan who lives in a state orphanage.

Coach Octavian Belu said Raducan and her young teammates will rebound, but others will not.

"They are children -- they forgive and forget," said Belu in an interview with private television station PRO-TV. "We will not forgive or forget. It was a nightmare."

"We have five medals, but we should have had six. (The IOC) thought it was better to exaggerate and forget the most beautiful sentiment of the Olympics -- tolerance," he added.

The teammate who was elevated to Raducan's gold medal position said her sports career is over.

"It is the right moment to retire," said Simona Amanar.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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