Defections
Béla Károlyi, following his controversial actions at the Moscow Olympics, found himself in a precarious position with the Romanian authorities. He lived under constant surveillance and felt increasingly threatened. While his role as Nadia Comăneci’s coach had offered some protection, it couldn’t shield him indefinitely. As a result, Károlyi decided not to return to Romania after the Nadia ’81 tour.
Károlyi remained in the United States and eventually defected, along with two other touring party members. He attempted to persuade Comăneci to join him and stay in America, but the 20-year-old athlete believed her place was in Romania, where she intended to return.
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