Feel No Fear: The Power, Passion, and Politics of a Life in Gymnastics

Karolyi, renowned coach of women gymnasts, revolutionized the sport in both his native Rumania and his adoptive United States, producing popular champions in each country--Nadia Comaneci in Europe and Mary Lou Retton in America. Karolyi's innovations involved two elements: he emphasized athletic skill, rather than aesthetics and he showed that female gymnasts could be developed at ages six and seven, far younger than had previously seemed possible. In his work he had to battle not only jealous fellow coaches but also Communist Party functionaries in Rumania and bureaucratic officials and judges in this country. Indeed, Karolyi became so disillusioned after the selection of the U.S. Olympic team in 1992 that he left big-time coaching. Freelancer Richardson helps him to convey the passion he feels about his sport and his drive for excellence. Photos not seen by PW. (May)