The first perfect 10 in Olympic history — a 14-year-old who changed gymnastics forever.
Nadia Elena Comăneci was born in Onești, Romania in 1961. At the Montreal 1976 Olympics at 14 she scored the first perfect 10.0 in Olympic gymnastics history on the uneven bars — the scoreboard only displayed 1.00 as it wasn't programmed for a perfect score. She scored seven 10.0s across those Games. She won three Olympic gold medals at 14. The East European state training system was built around her. She defected to the United States in 1989, travelling through Hungary and Austria. She lives in Norman, Oklahoma with her husband Bart Conner. She is the most recognised gymnast in Olympic history.
Best Known For
Olympic Gold 5x (1976,1980)
Honours & Achievements
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 5x (1976,1980)
- First perfect 10.0 in Olympic history
- World Champion 3x
Career Journey
Timeline
1961
👶 Born in Onești, Romania
🏆 Olympic Gold 5x (1976,1980)
🏆 First perfect 10.0 in Olympic history
🏆 World Champion 3x