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Bela Karolyi, Coach of Nadia Comaneci and Mary Lou Retton, Dies at 82

Nov 17, 2024, 01:59 AM

Hall of fame coach Bela Karolyi, the charismatic but polarizing figure who transformed USA Gymnastics into an international powerhouse, has died at the age of 82 on November 15, 2024. Born on September 13, 1942, Karolyi coached legendary gymnasts Nadia Comaneci and Mary Lou Retton to Olympic gold medals. After emigrating from Romania to the United States, he and his wife Marta established a gym in the Houston area and trained multiple Olympic gold medalists and world champions in both countries. Despite his success, Karolyi's career was marked by controversy, including allegations of abusive coaching practices.