Perfect 10 gymnast Nadia Comăneci looks back on history-defining moment 50 years after Montreal Olympics

It’s nearly 50 years to the day since a 14-year-old Romanian gymnast made Olympic history and etched herself in the collective memory of Montrealers forever. On July 18, 1976, Nadia Comăneci became the first gymnast ever to earn a perfect 10 at the Olympic Games – a moment that would forever change the sport. “It’s [...] The post Perfect 10 gymnast Nadia Comăneci looks back on history-defining moment 50 years after Montreal Olympics appeared first on CityNews Montreal .

It’s nearly 50 years to the day since a 14-year-old Romanian gymnast made Olympic history and etched herself in the collective memory of Montrealers forever. On July 18, 1976, Nadia Comăneci became the first gymnast ever to earn a perfect 10 at the Olympic Games – a moment that would forever change the sport. “It’s very emotional for me to come back to Montreal every time, even though it’s been at least three generations have passed,” said the now 64-year-old Comăneci.

Comăneci’s perfect score on the uneven bars helped her win the all-around gold medal. She also won gold on the uneven bars and balance beam. 50 years since Montreal Olympics: Montrealers, Olympians look back on historic summer New generation of Montreal athletes set sights on Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games The feat was so unprecedented that the Omega scoreboard wasn’t programmed to display a 10.0, and instead showed 1.00, briefly confusing the crowd.

By the end of the Games, Comăneci had earned six more perfect 10s, cementing her place in Olympic history. FILE – In this 1976, file photo, Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci stands before a scoreboard in Montreal, Canada. (AP Photo/File)

“When you think about the world that we live today and how fast people turn, something happens, we close the door and we move on,” the former Olympian said. “To be able to recall moments that happened 50 years ago, it’s very, very rare and unique. “It means that we really have to have an impact on somebody’s life to remember that moment.”

Returning to the city where it all began, the five-time Olympic champion will be honoured with an honorary doctorate from l’Université de Montréal on July 31, and a commemorative plaque will be unveiled at the Centre Claude-Robillard. Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, 14, performs a flip on the balance beam en route to a gold medal in the event during the Olympic Games in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on July 22, 1976. (AP Photo/Stephanie Maze)

The next day, Comăneci will visit the “Montreal 1976: An Olympic Feat” exhibit at the McCord Stewart Museum. She’ll then then end her trip with a special “Nadia Day” meet-and-greet at Olympic Park for people who share her name, ahead of a celebration and concert . “Idea to be able to keep the Olympic rings and to show that this city has hosted a historic Olympic Games,” Comăneci said.

“I really believe that this is going to help and I will be there if this comes back, hopefully soon.” The post Perfect 10 gymnast Nadia Comăneci looks back on history-defining moment 50 years after Montreal Olympics appeared first on CityNews Montreal .