Catrinel was born in Iasi and has a younger sister named Lorena. Guided by her father, former national champion in athletics 400 m hurdles, Catrinel flirted at first with the sport and became junior champion in the same event. At the age of 16, Catrinel was discovered by a modeling agent during a trip to Bucharest. Six months later, his parents allowed him to move to the Romanian capital to start a modeling career. For years, Catrinel has divided her life between Romania, Italy and New York, United States of America. He speaks four languages: Romanian, Italian, English and French. Catrinel's hobbies include photography and painting.Over the years, the model has posed for FHM, Maxim, Sports Illustrated [4] and other magazines in the same category. His sister, Lorena Menghia (born June 12, 1988), is a well-known sportswoman .who currently lives in the United States.