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Béla Károlyi

Romanian-american gymnastics coach (1942–2024).

Born September 13th, 1942 in Cluj-Napoca.

Died November 15th, 2024 at 82 years old in Indianapolis. [ref]

Occupations
businessperson, gymnastics coach

Béla Károlyi, a renowned gymnastics coach, passed away on November 15, 2024 at the age of 82. Born on September 13, 1942 in Cluj, Romania, Károlyi found his passion for gymnastics at a young age and pursued it relentlessly. He began his coaching career in Romania before moving to the United States in the 1980s. Throughout his career, Károlyi trained and mentored numerous gymnasts, including Olympic champions such as Nadia Comăneci, Mary Lou Retton, and Kerri Strug. He was known for his intense and demanding coaching style, which pushed his athletes to achieve their full potential. Károlyi's impact on the world of gymnastics was widespread. He was instrumental in shaping the sport into what it is today, with his innovative training methods and his dedication to his athletes. Károlyi's influence extended beyond the gym, as he also served as a commentator for gymnastics events and wrote several books on the sport. Despite his retirement in 2001, Károlyi remained heavily involved in gymnastics, coaching clinics and conducting training camps alongside his wife and fellow coach, Márta. Together, they were credited with transforming the United States into a powerhouse in the world of gymnastics. Károlyi's legacy will live on through the countless gymnasts he has inspired and influenced over the years. He will be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of gymnastics, whose passion and dedication to the sport left an indelible mark.

It’s better to burn out than to fade away. Neil Young