Bela Karolyi, a renowned gymnastics coach, passed away at age 82, according to USA Gymnastics spokesperson Jill Geer. Alongside his wife Márta, Karolyi played a crucial role in transforming USA Gymnastics into a powerhouse in Olympics and international competitions. They mentored numerous gymnasts, including Mary Lou Retton, Dominique Dawes, and Phoebe Mills. Retton, the first U.S. woman to win an Olympic individual all-around gold medal in 1984, credited the Karolyis for her success. The couple defected from Romania in 1981 and eventually settled in Houston, where their gym attracted aspiring American gymnasts. Bela served as the national team coordinator before retiring in 2001, while Márta continued in the role until 2016, working with athletes like Simone Biles.
Several gymnasts, including Retton and Nadia Comaneci, expressed their condolences and acknowledged Bela Karolyi’s influence on their careers. Comaneci, a five-time Olympic gold medalist, shared a photo of herself with Karolyi from her childhood, highlighting his impact on her life. The Karolyis’ legacy in the sport is undeniable, with their contributions spanning decades and multiple generations of gymnasts. The news of Bela Karolyi’s passing is a significant loss for the gymnastics community, and updates regarding his death are awaited.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
