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Factsheet

• Ran the Romanian women's gymnastics program from the late 1960s through the 1970s.
• In 1976, was the coach for Nadia Comaneci, who scored the first perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics on the way to the all-around gold medal.
• After disagreements with Romanian officials, he and his wife defected to the U.S. in 1981.
• Became partners in a gym in Houston, which he eventually bought and turned into a gymnastics camp.
• At the 1984 Olympics, was the coach of all-round gold medalist Mary Lou Retton and uneven bars gold medalist Julianne McNamara.
• Was named women's head coach at the '88 Games, after a bill passed through Congress to make him a U.S. citizen prior to a five-year residency requirement.
• Coached the '92 team, and the '96 team that won the gold medal and was known as "The Magnificent Seven." Carried Kerri Strug to the podium after her gold-medal-winning vault.
• Was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997.
• Retired from coaching, he was named National Team Coordinator in 2000, a title later give to his wife Marta in 2001.
• Served as a guest commentator for gymnastics in NBC 2008 Olympic coverage.