Gymnastics Coach Bela Karolyi Dies at 82

Bela Karolyi, the renowned gymnastics coach who led legends like Nadia Comaneci and Mary Lou Retton to Olympic glory, has passed away at the age of 82. His coaching career began in Romania, where he gained fame for training Comaneci, the first gymnast to achieve a perfect 10 at the 1976 Olympics. After defecting to the U.S. in 1981, he continued to shape American gymnastics into a powerhouse, though his methods often sparked controversy. Allegations of abusive training practices and his connection to the Larry Nassar scandal have marred his legacy, with former gymnasts claiming he fostered an environment that allowed abuse to thrive. Despite the criticisms, Karolyi's influence on gymnastics remains significant, as noted by Comaneci who credited him for changing her life. His passing marks the end of an era for a figure who was both celebrated and scrutinized in the sport.