Since 2015 Putnam County has had a world-class gymnast living, working and performing in their back yard. Carmel gymnastics center VeGa Gymnastics brought Doru Iacob from Romania to work with their team gymnastics program, and the community has benefited from his expertise since the day he arrived. He is called 'Coach Jake' by the gymnasts, who from age 18 months through 14 years all adore him.
Doru, 24, began gymnastics at the age of 6. He was selected for a special training facility, away from home, at the age of 11. His talent and perseverance drove him up through the ranks of Romanian gymnastics to the Junior National Team level, which he reached at the age of 14, and the National Team at 18. Doru was a member of the Senior National Team for two years representing his country.
Here in Putnam County, he helps lead the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic team gymnasts for VeGa Gymnastics, taking them to many championships as both individual gymnasts and teams. His skills as a coach are top notch, and he is raved about by gymnasts, parents, and colleagues alike. He has a wonderful ability to break down the toughest and most complicated skills to a step-by-step level, and he can spot his gymnasts through every tricky movement with ease.
One of the favorite things about 'Coach Jake', though, is when the gymnasts get to see him perform. It isn't unusual to see him demonstrate to the students in the gym what it looks like to properly perform the skills they are working on, and then it gets truly exciting to see him demonstrate the progressions PAST those skills, and what the kids can expect to learn in the future. Doru has also performed at local events in the gymnastics community. He is no stranger to coaches' competitions that take place on the floor mats after the local gymnasts finish their grueling competition. He hasn't yet seen a handstand contest he didn't win- and handily. At VeGa, the earliest levels in the Junior Olympic program participate in a mock competition, to get them acclimated to the competition process and environment. Doru is always there, ready to wow the crowd with advanced National Team level tumbling and bars skills. Summer camps are the perfect opportunity for exhibitions of his talent, as he performs a show for the kids and parents highlighting his seemingly limitless ability on the gym floor.