Bela Karolyi, the legendary gymnastics coach who elevated the United States to international prominence in the sport, has died.
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Karolyi passed away on Friday, USA Gymnastics announced per the AP. No cause of death has been revealed. He was 82.
Karolyi and his wife, Martha, trained numerous Olympic gold medalists and world champions in both the U.S. and Romania, including legends like Nadia Comaneci and Mary Lou Retton.
Karolyi initially gained recognition in his homeland of Romania. Together with Martha, he worked as an elementary school teacher in Transylvania, where they introduced gymnastics to their students as a means of keeping warm. Their captivating performances not only delighted the townspeople but also attracted the attention of the government. Within a few years, they were appointed to lead the national team.
Bela Karolyi Shook Up Gymnastics at the Montreal Olympics
In 1976, Karolyi revolutionized gymnastics when he brought a team of young athletes to the Montreal Olympics. While most elite female gymnasts of the 1970s were in their late teens or early twenties, Karolyi’s squad featured only one gymnast older than 14. Romania’s silver medal victory solidified the perception that gymnastics was a sport primarily for the young. This notion would prevail for the next four decades.
In Montreal, the world first witnessed Comaneci, a dark-eyed, dark-haired gymnast who became the first to score a perfect 10 at the Olympics. She achieved this remarkable feat six times while winning three gold medals.
Karolyi was initially lauded in Romania for the team’s achievements. However, four years later, he lost the government’s favor after criticizing the judging at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. He was furious, convinced that Comaneci had been denied a second gold medal. However, Romanian officials were appalled by his remarks, fearing he had embarrassed the Soviet hosts.
Bela Karolyi Defects to the United States
In 1981, the Karolyis defected from Romania to the United States. Just three years later, Bela played a pivotal role in guiding a then-16-year-old Mary Lou Retton to the Olympic all-around title at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles. At the 1996 Atlanta Games, he made headlines by helping an injured Kerri Strug off the mat after her vault clinched the team gold for the American squad.
By 1997, Bela was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. In 2000, he and Martha were honored together as a coaching duo in the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
Bela Karolyi’s Career Ended in Controversy
Bela’s illustrious career was not without its share of controversy. He and Martha found themselves embroiled in scandal when it came to light that Dr. Larry Nassar had abused young girls at their training facility in Texas. Following the public disclosure of allegations against Nassar in 2016, the couple faced accusations of overlooking the abuse that took place on their 200-acre ranch in Huntsville, Texas.
Former gymnast Jeanette Antolin alleged that the Karolyis were aware of Nassar’s abuse occurring in their cabin. This prompted a lawsuit from the couple, who insisted they were never informed that the abuse was sexual.
In 2018, USA Gymnastics ended its contract with Karolyi Ranch and shuttered the facility located in Walker County, Texas.