Bela Karolyis
Alan Chapman/FilmMagicBela Karolya controversial figure in the world of gymnastics, he has coached dozens of Olympic stars, since Nadia Comaneci to Mary Lou Retton.
Karolyi died at the age of 82 on November 15, 2024. During his career, the alleged strictness of his training methods has been called into question more than once, along with his wife and his wife. Marta KarolyRelationship with former Team USA doctor Larry Nassar. Nassar is currently serving a life sentence for sexual assault.
Bela and Martha have trained world gymnastics champions in the United States and Romania. From 1999 to 2001, Bela was the national team coordinator for the United States women’s national artistic gymnastics team. Martha succeeded him in 2001 after he resigned from the position.
Bela Karolyis
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, IncBela left a complex legacy, but his 30-year career with Martha produced nearly 30 Olympians and 9 Olympic champions, each for USA Gymnastics, including Comaneci and Retton. Julianne McNamara, Phoebe Mills, Betty Okino, Kristie Phillips, Kerri Strug, Dominique Mocenau again Kim Zmeskalall inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Olympian Dominique Moceanu praised the gymnasts representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “As someone who was directly trained by Bela & Marta Karolyi, who started their training career in the US in 1981, I saw firsthand the intensity and demands of their influence for many years,” wrote Moceanu, 42, via X […]
Here is what athletes who trained with Bela had to say about the late gymnastics coach:
Dominique Mocenau
Mocenau had been vocal about Karolyi’s alleged misconduct and training methods, which he detailed in his 2012 memoir. He has been coached by Karolys and was part of the “Magnificent 7” team in 1996 that won the US gold in Atlanta, Georgia.
After his death in November 2024, Mocenau went to X to reflect on his relationship with his former coach.
“Bela Karolyi was a man who had an important influence in my life and in the game of elite gymnastics. He was a complex person, combining a combination of strengths and flaws that left a lasting impact on those around him. Anyone who has followed my story knows that my journey under Bela’s leadership as my coach has come with great challenges. His harsh words and criticism used to stress me out,” wrote the retired gymnast.
“While our relationship was full of difficulties, some of these difficult times helped me build and define my path,” he continued. “As we say goodbye to Bela, I choose to send loving thoughts to her family and loved ones, and honor our relationship by embracing the lessons we have learned and striving to help create a world where compassion and encouragement guide our actions. May he rest in peace.”
Mary Lou Retton
“They’re building a dynasty here in America,” Retton, who became the first American woman in 1984 to win an all-around gold medal in Olympic gymnastics, said in 2016 of Bela and Martha’s influence on the sport, according to USA Gymnastics. “Surely everything is their doing. It was difficult when Bela stepped down. I’m not saying they didn’t have a lot of pillow talk at night, but he didn’t go to the gym.”
He added, “This was Martha’s child now, and she did a great job…Martha still has knowledge.” Most people don’t realize, even after 30 years Martha was a total engine. He wanted to be behind. Now, it’s his time to shine.”
Nadia Comaneci
Comaneci was one of the first gymnasts Karolyi trained in his career, and notably became the first gymnast to receive a perfect score at the Olympics in 1976 at the age of 17.
“A huge impact and influence in my life❤️🙏🙏🙏 RIP Bela Karolyi,” Comaneci wrote on Instagram in November after Karolyi’s death, along with several photos of him and his former coach together.
Kerri Strug
Strug competed in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, where Karolyi helped an injured Strug off the floor after performing her vault on a sprained ankle, which eventually won Team USA the gold medal.
“Bela is a tough coach and he gets criticized for that,” Strug said at the time, per ABC News. “But that’s what it takes to be a champion. I don’t think it’s right for everyone to try to find fault with Bela. Anything in life, to be successful, you have to work hard.”
Catherine Szabo
“Bela could take on every role: he was a friend, a father, a coach,” the Romanian gymnast, who won three gold medals at the 1984 Olympics, told French media. L’Equipe of coach Bela in 2017. “He could be strict…But the mindset was different then. I’m not here to judge you, but it was very respectful.
Shwi Nomtekhala
“Before entering Bela Karolyi camp, I knew one thing; “Bela was my bus pass to the Olympics,” the 1992 Olympian wrote in a 2001 article. “After a few weeks it became clear how Bela will reduce the team. He pushed us, criticized us, and worked for us until we got to the breaking point, and anyone who kept standing got the right to train with him.”
He added, “Karoly organized his training in a way that built your physical and mental strength to such an amazing level, that even he couldn’t break it down.” Bela wanted to know that if they push, his athletes can withstand any situation they face.”
