After defecting from Romania, the Karolyis begin to build their gymnastics empire in the U.S. But they need a champion. Enter Mary Lou Retton, the bubbly teenager whose perfect 10 at the 1984 Olympics will make her and her coach household names. Little girls across America want to be Mary Lou, and train with her famous coach. Bela has given the United States its first gold medal in women’s gymnastics. Now he needs to harness that success to advance his own cause.

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In the middle of the Cold War, Romanian gymnastics coaches Bela and Martha Karolyi turn Nadia Comaneci, a 14-year-old gymnast from a Communist country, into a global symbol of excellence at the 1976 Olympics when she scores the first perfect 10. But Romania becomes too small and too controlled for Bela’s ambitions, and the Karolyis set their sights on the freedom of the United States.

If you or someone you know has been subjected to sexual assault or abuse, and you would like more information or support, these hotlines can help: RAINN's 24/7 confidential national sexual assault hotline: 1-800-656-4673, or ChildHelp: 1-800-4-A-Child.

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For 40 years, as athletes came and went, there was one constant presence in Olympic gymnastics: Bela and Martha Karolyi — the most successful coaches in the sport's history, and the most controversial. The Karolyis wielded unprecedented power and became more recognizable characters than many of their gymnasts. Generations of gymnasts trained at their isolated ranch outside of Houston, where the Karolyis were champion-making teachers to some and tormentors to others. In front of the cameras, Bela was the bear-hugging motivator who pushed his athletes to the limit and Martha was the silent partner who demanded perfection. From the 1970s through the 1990s, the Karolyis coached some of the greatest names in the sport, from Nadia Comaneci to Mary Lou Retton and Kerri Strug. The couple then took over the U.S. national team program that featured Olympic champions like Carly Patterson and Simone Biles. Few dared challenge the Karolyis’ coaching methods, and those who did were ignored or ostracized. But in 2016, their accomplishments came under fire as the extent of Larry Nassar’s predatory sexual abuse was exposed. "Heavy Medals: Inside the Karolyi Gymnastics Empire" is a 7-part series from 30 for 30 Podcasts, in collaboration with espnW. All seven episodes available July 14th.

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According to local legend, the Louisiana Superdome was always a haunted place. First plagued by construction problems, then years of bad luck for the host Saints team -- by 2005 those Saints were prepared to abandon the stadium in favor of a dreaded move to San Antonio. Then Hurricane Katrina hit, and somehow the dome became a symbol for a city's rebirth. This is the story of New Orleans, through the story of its dome. Produced and reported by Eve Abrams. Narrated by Tarriona "Tank" Ball of Tank and the Bangas. Hosted by Jody Avirgan. Transcript and more at 30for30podcasts.com

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During qualifying for the 1990 World Cup, Chile's national team felt that it needed to be "more bandits than the bandits." Driven by an intense desire to eliminate rival Brazil, goalkeeper Roberto Rojas pushed his team past the brink. Hosted by Jody Avirgan. Transcript and more about the Radio Ambulante version of this piece at 30for30podcasts.com

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World-class biathlete Kari Swenson was on an afternoon trail run in the mountains near Big Sky, Montana in July 1984 when two men blocked her path. Reported by ESPN's Bonnie Ford. Hosted by Jody Avirgan. | For more on the 1984 women's biathlon team, visit 30for30podcasts.com

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For legends Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird, life in the WNBA paled in comparison to the lavish treatment they received in Russian professional basketball, courtesy of their team owner and benefactor, Shabtai Kalmanovich. Kalmanovich spoiled his stars, showering them with expensive gifts, luxury hotels, and private concerts -- but he was a man with a shadowy past. Eventually, the two stars would have to reckon with what they'd gotten themselves into. Reported by Keith Romer. Hosted by Jody Avirgan. More at 30for30podcasts.com

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The new season of 30 for 30 Podcasts launches November 12th, with four new stories spanning four sports and three continents. The new episodes will tell a range of fascinating stories about kidnappings, scandal, natural disasters, hope, and recovery, and span the globe from Moscow to Montana, Chile to New Orleans. More at 30for30podcasts.com

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The Donald Sterling story comes to an end where it all started -- with a showdown in court. This time, though, it was Donald vs. Shelly. The Sterling Affairs is hosted by Ramona Shelburne. Produced by 30 for 30 Podcasts and The Undefeated in collaboration with Western Sound. More at 30for30podcasts.com/sterling

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When the explosive tape of Donald Sterling broke, it came at a moment when power in the NBA was changing. Players, owners, and a new commissioner were faced with a major test that would re-shape the league. The Sterling Affairs is hosted by Ramona Shelburne. Produced by 30 for 30 Podcasts and The Undefeated in collaboration with Western Sound. More at 30for30podcasts.com/sterling

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