Interview with Olympic Medalist
Nadia Comaneci
Career Choice: As an Olympic champion
gymnast, I have always stayed involved in my sport. Currently,
along with my husband, US Olympic gymnast Bart Conner, we operate
a gymnastics school in Norman, Oklahoma. We are not coaching on a daily basis
because we often travel with our charity and commercial interests. We often deliver speeches to corporate
groups and do promotional appearances for companies like Adidas,
for which I have an endorsement contract. We also contribute
to our manager, Paul Ziert’s magazine called International
Gymnast. You can access more info about our magazine by visiting
our IG website, www.internationalgymnast.com. There is also an unofficial website about my life
at nadiacomaneci.com that has a great deal of details about
my life.
Challenges Faced: Of
course, I grew up in Communist Romania, but I am happy to
say that now our country is democratic, and prospering, since
the revolution in 1989. I worked hard in gymnastics since
the time I was six years old until I retired at 23 years
of age. One of the most difficult times in my life was when
I escaped from Romania in November of 1989. Over the
period of a few days, I crossed the border into Hungary,
and then into Austria with six other people looking for a
free life. I ended up in the US for a month or so, before
moving to Montreal with some Romanian friends. I eventually
moved to Norman, Oklahoma to be with my boyfriend at the
time, Olympic gymnast Bart Conner.
Accomplishments: Of
course, most people remember that I received the first perfect
10 in Olympic gymnastics competition. I am also proud that
I continue to support my country through many charitable
causes. My marriage to my husband, Bart Conner in 1996 is
my proudest personal moment.
Turning Point: I
have had a few turning points, the first day I entered a
gymnastics school at age 6. Then, winning nine Olympic medals
surely changed my life by opening many doors.
Mentors: My
parents were very loving, but disciplinarians. My dad was
always protective of me, and I still feel that he protects
me today even though we live thousands of miles apart.<
Advice: I
like to tell young people to work hard for your goals and
live in the moment. You should also appreciate the goodness
around you, and surround yourself with positive people. I
believe that you should gravitate to people who are doing
productive and positive things with their lives.#
