Feel no fear

de Bela Karolyi

In 1992, Time magazine reported that "in the world of gymnastics, no figure looms larger," and named Bela Karolyi the "World's Most Famous Gymnastics Coach." Paul Ziert, Bart Conner's coach, says of him, "He is brilliant. And he represents absolute Commitment to gymnastics." Even Mike Jacki, the former head of the U.S Gymnastics Federation, says "the one thing over the past ten years that's had the most effect on U.S gymnastics, overwhelmingly, is the presence of Bela Karolyi ... he is a supreme student of the game." Feel No Fear is the unforgettable, un-put-downable story of the most influential, charismatic, and controversial gymnastics coach in the world, who, for the first time, shares the secret strategies that have contributed to his success. Karolyi has created more gymnastics champions than any other coach in the sport, in both his native country, Rumania, and his adopted country America. His fierce determination and unique vision enabled him to redefine the entire sport of gymnastics, from the unforgettable grace of Nadia Comaneci to the powerful explosive strength of Mary Lou Retton and Kim Zmeskal. But his story is not just about creating gymnastic superstars. Bela Karolyi's story is about facing and overcoming tremendous adversity. It's about fighting for what's right, and pounding your fist and raising your voice against injustice. Karolyi fought against the constraints of Communism, and the calculated malice of Rumania's secret police. Forced to defect from his native country, he left behind his six-year-old daughter whom he knew he might never see again. Once in America, Karolyi stuggled to master a new language and a new culture, all the while working to create a life for himself and his family. As a U.S. gymnastics coach, Karolyi proved that American gymnasts could be internationally competitive - an accomplishment that American coaches had yet to achieve. The struggle to reshape U.S. gymnastics led Karolyi to raise his voice against the scoring controversies that threatened and sometimes eclipsed the careers of Mary Lou Retton, Kim Zmeskal, Kristie Phillips, and Diane Durham, as well as against the biases and politics that are part of the U.S. and international system of the sport. Once again, he made powerful enemies. . Bela Karolyi has told his athletes countless times to "feel no fear." In his book, he, too follows his own advice. Choosing to look back on his triumphs, tragedies, mistakes, and misgivings. Karolyi fearlessly unfolds his life story and names the players - the good, the bad and the truly frightening - that made his life a compelling drama.