Nadia Comaneci or one of the greatest sportswomen of all time. In just six years of career, the Romanian has collected no less than 25 international medals, before opposing the authoritarian regime of her country. More than an athlete, an exceptional girl.
How to become one of the major figures in your discipline in just six years at the highest level? For almost all of the legends of sport, it is after ten seasons of investment that the dream becomes reality. But others, visibly less patient, succeed in accelerating the movement. Nadia Comaneci is part of this second category.
Comaneci, the gymnast, is a diamond in the rough. A frail young girl with big dark eyes and a smile that only too rarely blooms. Except when she wears a medal around her neck, a bouquet of flowers in her hands… From 1975 to 1981, there is no shortage of pictures of victories she dominates artistic gymnastics. And in more than one ordeal.
Nadia Comaneci: a record for history
Flashback. On November 12, 1961, little Nadia pointed the tip of her nose in Romania. Like many of her classmates, she goes to the gym. And twirls so well that she spends more than four hours on the mats. The kid is determined. Nadia Comaneci is quickly becoming one of the best young gymnasts in the world, but you have to believe that it’s not enough, it’s time to take it to the next level. The gymnast flies to the Senior category when she has just celebrated her 13th birthday. And it will make noise.
European Championships in Skien, Norway, in 1975. In five events, the Romanian brought back four gold medals and one bronze. The world of gymnastics bugs a good shot. A teenager is already establishing herself as a future legend in the discipline. Incredible performance but nevertheless quickly eclipsed. Nadia Comaneci does not take umbrage. It was at the Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada, in 1976, that she would definitely write history. At 14 years and eight months, she won three gold medals. All-around, uneven bars, beam, whatever, she is unrivalled. And let’s not forget his silver medal with the Romanian team and bronze in floor exercises. Even if it’s stunning, this performance is not unprecedented. Never mind, Nadia Comaneci becomes the first gymnast to get the perfect score (10!) in an Olympic competition. Want history? You are served!
The new life of Nadia Comaneci
Over her six-year career, Miss Comaneci won twenty-five international medals. But why stop mid-flight? The Romanian authoritarian regime at the time put constant pressure on him. Become THE symbol of a dictatorship, have coaches imposed on her harder than the carpets she walks on, say yes to all competitions, dedicate herself 100% to the gym… Nadia Comaneci is starting to get tired.
In 1989, she fled to the United States. Exile proves complicated before she crosses paths with the one who will become her protector, another gymnasium, Bart Conner, whom she will marry in 1996 in… Bucharest, capital of Romania. Nadia Comaneci thus has the authorization to return to her country of origin where she will found, in 2012, a sports center for children from 3 to 7 years old.
Today, she runs a large gymnastics school in Oklahoma, USA. Children have always been his priority, benevolence a philosophy of life. Comaneci is a generous icon.
I write for ABLOCK! media. No wonder since I am passionate about sports, with a (big) weakness for Co sports, I also play basketball. Otherwise ? I do …