Medias Res

Bela Karolyi, Dead at 82; Gymnastics Coach Revered, Reviled, Remembered


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Bela Karolyi, a renowned gymnastics coach who helped shape the careers of Olympic champions like Nadia Comaneci and Mary Lou Retton, died at 82. He and his wife, Martha, built a successful program in the United States, but their legacy became overshadowed by accusations of abusive coaching practices and their association with Dr. Larry Nassar, a doctor who sexually abused numerous young gymnasts at their training facility. While Karolyi denied knowledge of Nassar's crimes, he was ultimately criticized for fostering an environment where abuse could occur.

As reported in The New York Times by Alex Traub, Hank Sanders, and Carla Correa

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Medias ResBy Media Res et Cie