82-year-old Bela Karolyi, renowned coach who transformed USA Gymnastics into global powerhouse, passes away

Bela Karolyi, a legendary gymnastics coach who, along with wife Márta, helped build USA Gymnastics into a powerhouse, has passed away at the age of 82. The cause of death has not been disclosed. The couple’s success began with Romanian gymnast Nadia Comăneci and continued with American stars including Mary Lou Retton, Dominique Dawes, and Simone Biles. Retton, the first American woman to win Olympic individual all-around gold, found unexpected success under the Karolyis’ guidance. The couple defected from Romania in 1981 and settled in Houston, where they established a gym that attracted aspiring gymnasts from across the country. Bela served as national team coordinator until 2001, with Márta taking over until her retirement in 2016. Their influence spanned decades, shaping the careers of numerous gymnasts. Comăneci paid tribute to Bela on social media, highlighting his impact on her life from childhood. The Karolyis’ legacy in the sport is significant, having helped mold some of the greatest gymnasts in American history. Please stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

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