Career
Linca defeated Frederick Tiedt of Ireland on a 3-2 decision, to capture the Olympic Gold Medal in the 148 pound (Welterweight) class at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Tiedt actually received more total points, but Linca was given the decision by three of the five judges. In the semi-final and final, he boxed with a severe injury in the right hand, which made him an example of resilience and courage.
Toward the end of his life, he suffered of various illnesses.In the early 1990-s, Romanian media found him living in abject poverty and forgotten by his former club and sports authorities.
The public outcry caused by his situation led the Romanian Parliament to vote a law whereby Olympic medalists, past, present and future, would receive a monthly allowance from the Government from the day of their retirement from sport, up to their death. His trainer was Constantin Nour.
Linca, like many Eastern Bloc boxers of his era, did not have a professional career. Olympic results
Boxing at the 1956 Summer Olympics:
Defeated Hector Hatch (Fiji) points (5-0)
Defeated Nicholas Andre (South Africa) points (5-0)
Defeated Nicholas Gargano (Great Britain) points (4-1)
Defeated Frederick Tiedt (Ireland)points 3-2.