The gymnastics world mourns the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Bela Karolyi. His passing marks the end of an era for a man whose influence shaped the sport’s history. Karolyi was pivotal in propelling Nadia Comaneci to global stardom, establishing her as one of gymnastics’ brightest stars. Later, he transformed the USA Gymnastics national team, elevating it to unparalleled success during his tenure as head coach. Even after retiring from active coaching, Karolyi remained deeply connected to the sport, staying updated with its evolution and following the achievements of athletes like Simone Biles.
Karolyi’s coaching methods have long been a subject of both acclaim and criticism. While some questioned the intensity of his training style, the results were undeniable. Legendary gymnasts like Comaneci and Mary Lou Retton are testaments to his coaching prowess and strategic brilliance. Despite his own legacy, Karolyi was not hesitant to acknowledge Simone Biles as a superior gymnast.
In an August 2016 article by USA Today, Karolyi expressed his awe for Biles, calling her the best gymnast he had ever seen. Watching Biles perform extraordinary routines left Karolyi mesmerized. He admired her ability to execute skills that previous generations could not have imagined attempting. Reflecting on the evolution of gymnastics, Karolyi remarked, “The kind of moves performed by Biles and her rivals would have been unthinkable to previous generations.” However, he also emphasized that comparing gymnasts across different eras is difficult due to the sport’s continuous evolution. “Gymnastics continues to be changing and more and more complex and a more and more difficult sport,” he observed.
Bela Karolyi’s legacy will forever be remembered in the gymnastics community, not just for the champions he coached but for his deep understanding of the sport and its transformation over decades. His acknowledgment of Simone Biles’ greatness reflects his appreciation of gymnastics’ ever-changing nature and his role in its remarkable history.