Former Romanian and U.S. gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi has died on the age of 82.
A number of of Karolyi’s former gymnasts, together with Nadia Comaneci and Svetlana Boginskaya, took to social media Saturday night to pay tribute to the controversial coach and husband of fellow coach Marta Karolyi.
“A huge impact and affect in my life RIP Bela Karolyi,” Comaneci’s publish learn, alongside images of the 2 by means of the years.
“Pricey Bela, I had the chance to coach with you. I had the privilege to be round you, your athletes, and your loved ones. I took away optimistic expertise[s] in each doable method. We laughed, we cried, we talked (and oh boy you’re the talker), and also you made one of the best and strongest margaritas. You’ll be missed by so many people… Relaxation in peace,” Boginskaya’s message learn.
Karolyi coached Comaneci and Mary Lou Retton to Olympic all-around gold (and Comaneci’s well-known excellent 10) and, alongside his spouse, was key to the rise and success of the U.S. ladies’s gymnastics staff after immigrating to the U.S. within the Eighties. That legacy got here crashing down after the USA Gymnastics abuse scandal. Former staff physician Larry Nassar sexually abused tons of of women and younger ladies, with a few of that abuse taking place beneath the Karolyis’ noses at their ranch, the place nationwide staff camps had been held for a few years. The Karolyis had been additionally accused of bodily and emotional abuse. Regardless of denying realizing something about Nassar’s abuse, the couple has been out of the general public eye ever since.
One other of Karolyi’s Olympic champions, Dominique Moceanu, was forthcoming along with her experiences whereas sending like to his household:
“Bela Karolyi was a person whose affect on my life and the game of elite gymnastics is undeniably important. He was a fancy particular person, embodying a mixture of strengths and flaws that left an enduring influence on these round him.
“Anybody who has adopted my story is aware of that my journey beneath Bela’s steerage as my coach got here with immense challenges. His harsh phrases and significant demeanor typically weighed closely on me. Whereas our relationship was fraught with issue, a few of these moments of hardship helped me forge and outline my very own path. As we bid farewell to Bela, I select to ship loving ideas to his household and family members, and honor our relationship by embracing classes discovered and striving to assist create a world the place compassion and encouragement information our actions. Might he relaxation in peace.”
Karolyi’s well being was reportedly quickly declining on account of Alzheimers. He’s survived by Marta, daughter Andrea, son-in-law Paul, and grandchildren Julia and Kristina.
