Violeta Szekely, née Beclea (born 26 March 1965, in Dolheștii Mari, Suceava County)[1] is a Romanian former middle distance runner who competed mainly in the 1500 metres.

She was favored to win the 2000 Summer Olympics 1500 metres after a stellar season, but getting boxed in around the final curb would cost her the gold medal.

She was also favored to win the 2001 World 1500 metre title after dominating the Golden League series, but was beaten out by bitter rival and teammate Gabriela Szabo.

[citation needed] Beclea tested positive for steroids in February 1995 and was subsequently handed a four-year ban from sports.

[2] She also lost the fourth place from the 1500 m at the 1995 IAAF World Indoor Championships.