Nadia Comaneci Reflects on her Perfect 10, 41 Years Later

Former Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, who at 14 became the first woman to score a perfect 10, reflects on that gold-medal performance at the 1976 Summer Olympic Games in Montreal. "The older I get, I realize that what I've done was such a big thing," she says.

Shot, edited by Tim Thompson.

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Nadia Comaneci Returns to Montreal 41 Years After Her Perfect 10

[thegreek]

I was a kid In 1976. I remember a little neighbor girl saying "when I grow up I will be a Comaneci". That neighbor girl was so smart and beautiful like an angel. After 2 or 3 years later she died of cancer. Every time i hear about Comaneci I remember that little angel.
RIP Elpiniki

[moth_paws]

I watched Nadia in the Olympics as a little girl, and she so impressed me. I even named my first daughter Nadia. Hearing her speak now really moves and inspires me once again. Thank you, Nadia, for who you are! God bless you.

[Mihir_]

My dad doesn't know who was the host of last Olympic games nor the host of the upcoming one either. But he remembers Montreal Olympics as if it happened yesterday just because of Nadia!!!

[rulistening]

I was 10 years old that year. I was glued to the television for every gymnastics event.
Nadia was such a huge inspiration and a joy to see.
Even we Americans were rooting for her to win gold.

[zflynn]

I remember seeing the cover of Time magazine with Nadia's picture and the title "SHE'S PERFECT!" Never, NEVER before in Olympic history had anyone scored perfect 10s for a performance. It was witnessing someone who was doing something that was thought totally impossible. Beyond awe-inspiring, even all these decades later.

[sanieisleam]

I remember... i was more or less her age back in our country Romania: after that her incredible performances )... everybody every girl was trying to do... o bit of her exercises....we were so proud of her

[kahleesaangelofthenight]

I liked that the announcers showed no bias toward her not being american and just celebrated an extraordinary once in a lifetime gymnast!

[Lilith_]

The effortless way she landed the dismount on the uneven bars just leaves me breathless.

[sanderslongdrive]

One of the greatest athletes of all time. Now, a charming lady.

[luisavaz]

I am 50 years old now, and I still remenber all your performances in the Olympics, all my family was in front of TV, to watch you... In silence.... Thank you Nádia.... You were perfect.... You made history. Everybody of my generation remember you. By the way I am from Portugal. 😊😊😊❤️❤️❤️❤️Bless you Nadia and all your teatchers😘😘😘😘

[efisgpr]

I met her at the grocery store and again at the airport and she was so, so wonderfully nice both times. Just a beautiful soul.

I love her and wish her all the best.

[Dernhelmful]

Happy birthday, Nadia. Thank you for inspiring millions all over the world with your grace, technical finesse and courage. Your story did not end in 1976. You escaped a despotic regime and continued to influence and uplift people everywhere. Your legacy is enduring.

[juanaboynkin]

In '76, I was 14 years old and fell head over heels in love with her. Fast forward to today and I am still in love with this beautiful classy woman. She has been through a lot and is still amazing. Best wishes to her and Bart Conner.

[downhilltwofour]

I remember thinking at the time she looked so frail yet her strength and agility were amazing! She gave the world the thrill of watching her quest, culminating it excellence. I wish her a truly long and full life of happiness!

[maggiemoran]

They actually had a song that was popular at the time called Nadia’s theme. She was a national sensation. Every little girl wanted to be her. I can’t believe how fantastic and young she looks.

[lipsohlips]

At 14 she was participating in the olympics... and at 22 im still living with my parents...

[joygrace]

Nadia: Still a 10. Thank you for sharing your gift.

[redruby]

I still get goose bumps watching her routine, knowing it is a special moment in history. So elegant and energetic. Today's gymnasts have more muscle and bulk, but something gets lost in the ballet and dance moves. Love Nadia!

[cheongyei]

I haven't seen this footage for decades and I remember her wonderful, positive attitude. What a champion!

[sugarlove]

When I was a kid she was my hero and I just love her 💖