Béla Károlyi (1942–2024) was a Romanian-American gymnastics coach known for his centralized training system and influence on elite women’s gymnastics. He coached Olympic champions and transformed gymnastics coaching in Romania and the United States.
Born in Cluj, Romania, Károlyi initially trained as a boxer and hammer thrower before shifting to coaching. He developed Romania’s centralized training system, producing stars like Nadia Comăneci, the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 at the Olympics (1976.)
In 1981, Károlyi and his wife, Márta Károlyi, defected to the U.S., revolutionizing American gymnastics. He coached Mary Lou Retton, Kerri Strug, and Dominique Moceanu, leading the U.S. team to Olympic gold (1996.) Despite his success, he faced criticism for alleged harsh training methods.
His publications include Mary Lou: Creating an Olympic Champion (1986, co-authored with John Powers and Mary Lou Retton) and Feel No Fear: The Power, Passion, and Politics of a Life in Gymnastics (1994, co-authored with Nancy Ann Richardson,) offering insights into his coaching philosophy.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Bela Karolyi
My attitude is never to be satisfied, never enough, never.
—Bela Karolyi
Topics: Attitude
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