A new trophy for Nadia Comaneci
Legendary gymnast Nadia Comaneci has been awarded the Olympic Order by the IOC President, Jacques Rogge, during an official ceremony in Bucharest (Romania).
President Rogge was in the Romanian Capital for the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Romanian Olympic Committee, whose President is Ion Tiriac. Furthermore, President Rogge has been bestowed with the title of Commander of the National Order of Merit of Romania.
Perfect score
Nadia Comaneci entered the history books of gymnastics and world sport forever in 1976 in Montreal, at the age of 14. Not only did she win three gold medals, one silver and one bronze, but she also became the first gymnast ever to score seven perfect “10”s. Four years later, in Moscow – her last Games – she won two more gold medals and two silver.
The idol of young gymnasts
In his speech, President Rogge stated, “Since that day in Montreal, when you captured not only the gold medals but also the hearts of the world, you became an idol for thousands of young women. You made them dream of becoming great gymnastics champions.”
Give back to sport
After her sports career, Nadia Comaneci decided to give back what sport and life had given to her, by teaching gymnastics, first in her home country then her adoptive country, the United States. As she often says: “It is now my turn to repay all that was given to me with so much generosity and human solidarity.”