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[LIVELY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]

[INAUDIBLE]

[BELL DINGING]

[WHISTLING]

Good morning, Professor!

Uh...

My name is Bela Karolyi. I'm a specialist in Physical Education.

Oh, yes?

I'm recruiting little girls for new gymnastics school

and I noticed that you had...

Just girls.

Yes.

I see.

Well, they develop faster than boys.

We believe that we can train them in a normal...

I'm very busy now.

Excuse me.

Yes, but I...

Contact the central office.

That wastes a lot of time.

I have so many schools to visit.

Excuse me.

[CHILDREN LAUGHING]

Good morning, students!

ALL: Good morning, comrade Professor.

Which of you were doing cartwheels outside?

TEACHER: Mm?

There were two.

[KIDS GIGGLING]

How about you? Were you one?

Professor, we have work to do.

One moment, please.

I am going to the Director.

All right, attention, girls!

Who would like to learn gymnastics?

Raise your hands, huh?

[KIDS GIGGLING]

You know,

tumbling,

and cartwheels.

Who likes to do cartwheels?

You, and you.

You take these home to your parents.

Weren't you one of the cartwheelers?

I wonder, wonder, wonder who the other cartwheeler was.

You know, cartwheels!

[ALL LAUGHING]

The Director wants to see you in his office.

Yes, of course.

Does anyone want to tell me who the other cartwheeler was?

How about you?

Do you wanna tell me who it was?

I think you know who it is.

And I'll bet,

that if you give her this card,

she'll think about it and fill it out.

Don't you?

Do you think it is possible for a little girl to fly?

So do I.

[KIDS CHATTERING]

[WHISTLING]

[WHISTLING]

Good morning, students.

ALL: Good morning, comrade Professor.

My name is Mili Simonescu.

I am from Bucharest.

On behalf of the Romanian Gymnastics Federation,

I welcome you to the very first class

in the training of very young girls in a very old building.

[CHUCKLING]

[ALL LAUGHING]

MILI: Each of you

passed a difficult coordination test to qualify for this training.

You are very special girls,

and I wish you the best of success.

And now,

I turn you over to your coach,

Marta Karolyi,

who will be assisted by her husband.

But first,

look what I've brought you from Bucharest.

[CLAPPING]

One for each of you.

[YELLING]

[LAUGHING]

Now!

[GIRL LAUGHING]

Come on in! The water's great!

[WHOOPING] [GIRLS LAUGHING]

You're supposed to be one of the coaches,

not one of the children.

They like it.

I didn't bring you here to be liked.

Sometimes people just can't help themselves.

Ooh! Ah!

[GIRLS GIGGLING]

[SOFT INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]

NADIA: Papa!

NADIA: Papa.

Papa!

Huh? Oh! Hold up!

It's Nadia Comaneci!

[LAUGHING]

And how are you, young lady?

Okay.

Do you know what I have for you?

Mm, mm...

So...

You have a secret.

Huh? Tell me what it is.

No?

Well, let me see.

You found a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, huh?

No, it didn't rain today.

Well...

I don't know what it could be.

Unless... [CHUCKLING]

It couldn't be that, huh?

It couldn't be about the new school.

Yes, papa, yes! No, you don't like it.

You don't like the new school, huh?

This new school, you like it?

Oh, yes! I love it, papa!

Uh...

Look at my uniform.

It's beautiful.

We have such fun.

We run and jump into a big hole

filled with bouncy things.

GHEORGHE: A big hole filled with bouncy things.

What kind of school is this?

Fancy outfits, but no books.

No pencils, no studies.

Oh, we did that, too, papa.

But in the gym, we do all sorts of tricks.

Tricks!

That's what you do, uh?

Tricks!

It's called tumbling.

I used to love it as a girl.

But, today,

it's a glamorous sport.

They give her free clothing and two free meals.

How bad can that be? [CHUCKLING]

I'll ask around.

Karolyi is a boxer, what does he know about gymnastics?

No, his wife is the coach.

He helps her. They say she is very good.

Hmm...

I don't like it.

STEFANIA: Why are you trying to make trouble?

ADRIAN: Mama...

Oh, Stefania, you know how these schools are!

Work, work, work.

No time to be a little girl.

This could be a great opportunity for her.

GHEORGHE: Now what does that mean?

They say she could be a champion.

[CHUCKLING] Well, with me, she already is!

If you do anything to spoil this for her...

GHEORGHE: For her?

Stefania,

for her?

NADIA: Don't be mad, papa.

Ah, I'm not.

I just want what's best for you.

Guess.

Good morning, comrade Professor.

[ALL CHATTERING]

Professor?

Where is he?

[ALL WHISPERING]

[ALL GIGGLING]

GIRL: He's coming.

[MUFFLED GIGGLING]

Oh, dear!

Nobody came today!

Where could everybody be?

In here!

[MUFFLED GIGGLING]

No.

[YELLING]

[STARTLED] Ah!

[ALL LAUGHING]

Ha-ha!

Ha!

[ALL LAUGHING]

Who's missing?

ALL: Nadia! Nadia!

Nadia, time to wake up!

[ALL LAUGHING]

There she is!

[WHISTLING]

That was fun.

Now, shall we do some serious work, Professor?

We have a new student with us today.

Her name is Teodora Ungureanu

and she has just moved to Onesti.

Teodora is eight years old,

and she has been performing advanced gymnastics for two years.

So after our workout,

she will demonstrate her floor exercise for us.

So everyone, please welcome Teodora.

[ALL CLAPPING]

[LIVELY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]

[MUSIC STOPS PLAYING]

[ALL CLAPPING]

[GIRLS CHATTERING]

How can a little girl do that?

That's what comes from serious work.

You're the best here, aren't you?

I knew it.

Are you jealous?

I know.

It was beautiful.

[SOFT INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]

Do you have a lot of friends?

Mostly boys.

Someday,

I'm going to marry the handsomest man in the world.

How about you?

Someday,

I'm going to climb the tallest tree.

Is that crazy?

I knew you'd understand.

Let's be friends forever.

Incredible.

[GIRL SQUEALING]

[WHOOPING]

[GIRLS LAUGHING]

BELA: There you go!

Bela!

Bela, get the gear.

Girls, stay here!

MARTA: Hello, Mili, how are you?

Welcome to Sibiu.

Nicholae!

This is Marta Karolyi.

And this is comrade Vieru of the Sports Association.

How do you do, sir.

Secretary General.

I hear you are making wonderful progress with your little ones.

Well, we're trying.

And this, is Bela Karolyi.

Nicholae Vieru.

And these...

These are the little girls from Onesti.

Adorable. Adorable.

Bela handles the bars and the vault.

Undoubtedly.

Yes, well,

good luck to you all.

Good day, little ones.

ALL: Good day, Comrade.

[CHUCKLING]

He's very interested in our Onesti program.

He sees you as the bright stars of our future.

BELA: Yes, I can see that.

MILI: He's really a very nice man.

Competition days make him nervous.

All right, inside, little ones.

[ALL CLAPPING]

[LIVELY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]

[MUSIC STOPS PLAYING]

[ALL CLAPPING]

ANNOUNCER: Score, 9.50.

Nadia, do exactly what you did in practice.

Don't let us down.

Go.

ANNOUNCER: From Onesti,

Comaneci, Nadia.

[APPLAUSE]

[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]

[SPECTATORS EXCALAIMING IN SADNESS]

[SPECTATORS EXCALAIMING IN SADNESS]

[APPLAUSE]

ANNOUNCER: Comaneci, Nadia.

Score, 7.25.

[GIRLS SINGING]

Don't cry about today.

I'm not crying.

I never cry.

You should.

So that I can tell you not to.

Nadia, the tragedy isn't that you fell.

It's that you're the best and didn't live up to it.

You completely lost your concentration.

It will never happen again.

Never.

You're not serious about gymnastics.

Yes, I am.

No, you're not. You're just playing, you should quit.

No!

Did you ever see anyone as bad as you were today?

No. Neither did I, quit!

No!

Go back to the schoolyard and do cartwheels if you just want to play!

No!

I want to be a champion.

I'll confess something to you.

I've been playing, too.

When I first found you, I only knew four sports.

I wasn't even a real gymnastics coach.

So I'll make a pact with you, so we can both stop playing.

Instead of teaching you what I don't know,

I want to teach you what I do know.

I will teach you how to have a runner's strength,

the cunning of a handball player,

and how, like a boxer, to be fearless of pain.

You interested?

I'm talking about a lot of work.

Total commitment, total concentration.

Don't take up my time, and then quit.

I'll never quit.

No one has ever worked as hard as I am going to work you.

I shall work.

You do.

And you will be the best in the world.

BELA: Concentrate, Nadia.

Forget the crowds, the announcer, the judges.

Even your teammates and coaches.

Only the exercise.

[CREAKING] [THUD]

Ah, you've almost got it.

But enough for tonight.

I can do better.

I'll keep working.

Nadia.

Oh, papa!

[CHUCKLING]

Good evening, Mr. Comaneci!

Hello.

Sorry.

It's getting late, your mother worries.

I can't get her to quit.

My routine is not perfect.

Well, it does look good to me.

So come home.

No, papa.

I must do it once more.

Uh...

Only once.

BELA: Swing, swing! Up, up!

[BELA LAUGHING LOUDLY]

It was good, wasn't it?

[LAUGHING LOUDLY]

Get dressed, and go home.

Did you see, papa?

Yes.

Your mother's waiting.

She's getting very good.

I suppose.

Will all this make her happy?

Well, you just saw her. I have to order her to stop.

I'll wait by the door.

I have a surprise for you.

Oh! What?

Tickets to the circus.

Oh!

When? Saturday.

But, papa,

I have to practice on Saturday.

Oh...

Saturday.

I must.

Guess who was lonely without you.

Who?

This funny little bear.

Oh, papa!

This is my favorite bear.

I'm so glad you came to see me.

[LAUGHING SOFTLY]

He missed you very much.

Keep your legs straight. Point your toes.

Point your toes, point your toes.

Faster, faster.

Feet together.

Good, Nadia, good.

MARTA: Good!

Marieanna!

Not like that.

You're not thinking about your finish.

You must see it in your mind.

Again! BELA: Let's do it again.

Good, point your toes.

Good... Stay off the bar, stay off it!

No!

[YELLING IN PAIN]

It's all right, it's all right.

Don't worry about Marieanna.

Now go back to your practicing. Go, go!

BELA: Nadia, injuries happen.

Now go back to your floor exercises and concentrate.

Go.

[MARIEANNA WHIMPERING]

Bela,

I think you better take her to the hospital.

Yes, I know.

They think it's a ligament.

The operation is tomorrow morning.

Oh, Bela.

Her parents are furious, they're taking her out of the school.

But it was no one's fault!

They say maybe we're asking too much from such little girls.

Maybe they are right.

What do you mean, the girls are doing just fine.

Bela, there's a little girl in the hospital!

These things happen.

Where are your feelings?

I don't recognize you.

My feelings are in every one of those girls.

Don't think I don't have feelings, Marta.

I have too many feelings.

Bela, they're just little girls.

You remember how long a day took

when you were a child?

A week.

And a week lasted a month,

and a month lasted a year.

It was the time of life when we were most alive.

As adults, we just pay off the bills.

Yes, then we shouldn't try to take it away from them.

Away?

Marta, I'm giving it to them.

How many of us ever experience

a silent moment of radiant perfection?

Why shouldn't they experience that

at the time of life when they're most alive?

Bela.

It is our responsibility to keep them from hurting themselves.

You can get well from an injury.

But you can't get the experience unless you take the risk.

I still think you're pushing too hard.

It's not the Olympics, you know.

It will be.

Canada, Marta. We're going to Canada.

[LAUGHING] Bela!

Our girls are too young!

[LAUGHING] They haven't even won a European event yet.

Yes, that's why we're going to Paris first.

No, no, no.

They are not going to Paris.

They would be laughed out of the arena.

They are the future!

The best we will have for a long time.

Paris!

It's only an exhibition.

We have better girls.

Right here in Bucharest.

No, we do not.

Teodora is the only promising one

and she was trained by another coach.

Nico, you are the expert for men, I for women.

Trust me.

We have no better girls here,

or anywhere else in Romania.

Karolyis are training champions.

That is another thing.

I really do not like your man, Karolyi.

He is ruthless.

He will do anything to win.

Yes.

He will.

Isn't that wonderful?

[LIVELY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]

So, Nadia, how do you like Paris?

Wonderful, especially the airport.

MAN: Romania!

Romanian gymnasts.

Romanian gymnasts, over here!

Comrade Professor, isn't there somebody we could call?

I was told that someone would meet the plane.

But that was two hours ago.

Do you speak French?

[CHUCKLING]

Neither do I.

Romania.

Romania.

Is there anyone here for Romania?

Hello? Romanie?

Roma... Romania, yes! [SPEAKS FRECH]

Come on, quick, quick! Somebody's here!

Taxi, taxi!

Come on. [HORN TOOTING]

Sports Palace.

[SPEAKING IN FRENCH]

No, no, monsieur.

You're not going to the Palace of Sport.

What do you mean?

You have been assigned to the secondary competition.

[LAUGHING] No.

We didn't come all the way to Paris to hide.

Take us to the Sports Palace.

Monsieur...

They won't let you in Romania,

not with the babies.

They are not babies, they are champions.

But, monsieur...

We go now!

[SPEAKING IN FRENCH]

[APPLAUSE]

[LIVELY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]

[SPEAKS IN FRENCH]

Monsieur,

this uncivilized man and his undersized wives

have the impudence to request entrance.

Do you have anyone from God-forsaken Romania on your list?

No, Monsieur.

Of course not. As I knew all along!

Thank you, my friend.

Monsieur,

I tried my best, but it's impossible.

Oh, I was sure it would be.

But thank you, thank you very much for trying.

You must go now to the small competition.

One moment. Pardonne moi.

[SPEAKS FRENCH]

You girls stay close to me. We're going in, okay?

Hey, look out! We're coming through!

Out of the way!

No! [LAUGHING]

Monsieur!

[APPLAUSE]

ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen,

from Russia,

ranked No. 1 in the world,

Ludmilla Tourischeva.

[APPLAUSE]

[DRAMATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]

[APPLAUSE]

Stay down. Hide!

Get ready, but stay down.

My name is Bela Karolyi, I'm from Romania.

[SHUSHING] Sit down.

Down. I have two gymnasts.

And I'm asking your permission

to enter them into this competition.

Just two girls.

I just wanted to...

[MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING]

She's beautiful.

[APPLAUSE]

ANNOUNCER: Ludmilla Tourischeva.

That concludes the floor exercise.

Next, the balance beam.

No, no! One more, one more!

From Romania!

Nadia, now!

Hurry!

JUDGE: Let him go!

Watch her.

Watch her!

[LIVELY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]

[CLAPPING]

[APPLAUSE]

[MUSIC STOPS PLAYING]

[APPLAUSE]

[SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE]

ANNOUNCER: Attention please!

She is from Romania,

and she is 12 years old.

Her name is...

Nadia!

[CROWD CHANTING] Nadia! Nadia! Nadia!

Well, my friend, we did it!

You'll take the papers and TV now.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

NEWS REPORTER: In Paris, Romanian gymnast, Nadia Comaneci

won the hearts of the audience in a surprise appearance.

Professor Bela Karolyi

stated that she is one of many top-caliber gymnasts

currently training at his school

who will be competing at all the upcoming European events.

That is blackmail.

But he is right! Ha-ha!

One hundred sit-ups.

Begin!

And one.

And two.

And three.

And stronger! Four!

Stronger. Five!

And six.

Seven.

And eight.

And nine.

Ten. Legs straight. You're late Theodora.

And eleven.

And chests up.

And thirteen.

And fourteen.

And fifteen. Stronger.

Sixteen. Chests up.

Nineteen. Twenty. Faster. One...

NEWS REPORTER: Coach Karolyi says he expects his students

to dominate the Romanian team from now on.

How can he say that?

I don't know.

BELA: Thirty-two. Thirty-three.

Thirty-four.

Thirty-five. Thirty-six.

No cheating, Teodora.

Thirty-nine.

[CLAPPING]

MARTA: All right, enough, stop!

[GROANING]

BELA: Girls, this is Geza Pozsar, your new choreographer.

He is joining us to put new life into your routines.

This will begin now.

[SIGHING]

Follow me.

[LIVELY MUSIC PLAYING]

[GIRLS GIGGLING]

[LAUGHING]

No, no, no!

Not like that, you'll break something.

Now go back and do it right.

Another delicious carrot stick, my dear?

Which one is delicious?

Mm...

Bela, Nadia gets so intensely involved

when she performs, she forgets the audience.

And she never thinks to smile.

Geza!

Teach her to smile.

What judge would like such a sour-puss?

Nadia.

Smile.

[LAUGHING]

NEWS REPORTER: Professor Bela Karolyi

confidently predicted victories for his students

Teodora Ungureanu, and Nadia Comaneci.

He is going too far.

Do you think so?

[APPLAUSE]

ANNOUNCER: Ms. Comaneci, she has dominated the 1974 Champions all competition,

with three gold medals and one silver.

and her coach, Bela Karolyi,

is confident that his students will carry off

several medals of the 1976 Olympic Games.

[APPLAUSE]

ANNOUNCER: Nadia Comaneci again wins the overall gold,

firmly establishing herself as a major factor

in European women's gymnastics,

as predicted by her colorful, and sometimes outspoken coach,

Bela Karolyi.

For years, I have been putting up with that ego-maniac.

He's winning.

I don't like him.

You like him to win, don't you?

BELA: Really whether he likes it or not,

we are going to Montreal.

You must understand Vieru's problem.

Bucharest is the capital.

It has the most expensive facilities,

the most experienced coaches,

and supposedly, the best gymnasts.

Does Bucharest win medals?

No, Onesti wins medals.

They don't expect medals.

Only the Russians win medals.

Is that why we have worked so hard?

To be beaten?

No.

We have the best team in the world right here in Onesti.

We deserve to go to the Olympics.

Calm down, Bela.

I'm not your enemy.

I will do my best to get you to Montreal.

But compromises will be made.

I'm not asking for anything special.

I'm only asking for what is fair!

My girls are best.

In this world, to ask for what is fair

is to ask for what is special.

If we don't go,

I'll tell everyone why.

Including the press.

That would not be wise.

A-ha! Tell me. Where are all the wise coaches?

I don't know.

That's because you've never heard of them.

Being wise is not what we do best.

MARTA: Would you like more, Mili?

MILI: Don't tempt me, Marta, thank you.

Take care, Bela.

Don't push too hard.

That is what we do best.

BELA: Touch the floor.

Ninety-three.

Ninety-four.

Ninety-five. Touch the floor.

You're late again, Teodora. That's 200 sit-ups.

Why not make it 400?

Very good idea. Make it 400.

Ninety-eight.

Ninety-nine.

One hundred.

Teodora.

I hate him.

I really do.

GEZA: And, one.

And one.

And straight, and one. Two, back.

Forward, mark, lift!

Plie, lift the arm.

Plie!

Bend, straight and lift,

and wide, check the wrist.

Plie, legs straight,

over, lift!

[DRAMATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]

ANNOUNCER: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen!

Welcome to Montreal and the 1976 Olympic Games.

[APPLAUSE]

[WHISPERING] What do you think?

Let's go home.

NADIA: Teodora.

Teodora.

Psst.

Over here.

Smell that food?

Mm, what is it?

I don't know.

But I like the way it smells.

Do you think they are dancing down there?

Maybe.

I know they're eating, though.

I think we ought to sneak down there, don't you?

Nadia, it's now or never.

Let's go.

[LIVELY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]

Nadia, look at that boy's eyes.

NADIA: All you think about is boys.

Look over there.

I think that guy likes you.

Mm.

Nadia!

Mm, I really like that.

[ALL GREETING]

The Games start late, because of the time zones.

It is six hours earlier there, huh?

Look, Adrian.

There she is.

[ALL EXCLAIMING]

[APPLAUSE]

Don't let anyone's reputation intimidate you.

All it means is that they used to be good.

They must prove that they still are.

[APPLAUSE]

They're still good.

Are you all right?

Hmm?

No, you're not all right.

What did you eat last night?

You went out, didn't you?

How could you, today of all days.

It won't matter.

ANNOUNCER: Next, on the Uneven bars,

Teodora Ungureanu.

[APPLAUSE]

[APPLAUSE]

ANNOUNCER: Teodora Ungureanu,

9.90.

Where's Bela?

In the stands.

The stands?

The officials decided only women coaches on the floor

during women's events.

ANNOUNCER: Next on floor exercise,

Krisztina Medveczky.

And now,

the next competitor,

Nadia Comaneci.

[YELLING] NADIA: Papa!

BELA: Do you think it is possible for a little girl to fly?

NADIA: I'll never quit.

BELA: Nobody's here today.

NADIA: It was good, wasn't it?

MARTA: Don't let us down.

BELA: Nadia, concentrate. Forget everything but the exercise.

[DRAMATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]

[APPLAUSE]

Only one?

ANNOUNCER: Now there seems to be some kind of a problem.

The judges are conferring.

One moment, please.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I think it is...

Yes, it is.

For the first time in the history of the modern Olympic Games,

a perfect 10!

[EXCLAIMING]

[SQUEALING]

ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen,

We are witnessing gymnastic history in the making.

With her final bar routine,

Nadia Comaneci has achieved an unbelievable seven perfect 10's.

Now she is receiving her gold medal.

The overall individual champion of gymnastics in the 1976 Olympic Games

from Romania, Nadia Comaneci.

[ALL CHEERING]

[ROMANIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM PLAYING]

[ALL CLAMORING] [CAMERAS CLICKING]

MALE REPORTER: Is it true that you follow a very strict diet?

FEMALE REPORTER: Would you like to have...

MALE REPORTER: Did you mother and father come to the Games?

NADIA: No!

MALE REPORTER: Have you got any movie offers?

A movie, a Russian movie. My mother loved it.

MALE REPORTER: Any boys have proposed to you, yet?

FEMALE REPORTER: Would you like to have a boyfriend?

Why don't you ask me questions about gymnastics?

[CAMERAS CLICKING]

This is the most prestigious gymnasium in Romania.

No, the world.

And there she is.

The greatest gymnast in the world.

Nadia Comaneci.

What do you call that?

My new floor routine.

Where are the hand gestures?

I'm not a little girl anymore.

I do not need the hand gestures.

Nadia, ever since Montreal...

I'm growing up, okay? Can't you see?

Growing up?

You call arguing with your coach, growing up?

Those gestures are childish.

I won't do them.

As long as you are in my gymnasium,

you will do it my way, do you understand?

Do you?

NADIA: Yes.

BELA: Yes, what?

Yes, comrade Professor.

All right now, start again.

This is Teodora Ungureanu.

[GASPING] Oh!

Out! Clear the gym, all of you!

VIERU: These are very important guests of the government.

I don't care who they are.

But they have traveled here from all over the world,

you cannot dismiss them.

They are not responsible for these girls, I am!

And I want them out!

Bela, if you persist... Out!

Bela, think it through. No.

You think this through.

That flash nearly caused an injury to one of my girls.

When we are training, don't you bring anyone here

without my permission, not ever!

That was a very serious mistake.

VIERU: Let us move on.

STEFANIA: Not sure who's more excited about this, her or me. [LAUGHING]

[VIERU LAUGHING]

[BOTH LAUGHING]

What is this?

Some papers we have to sign.

What papers?

To get Nadia away from that awful man.

He starves her.

He overworks her.

He keeps her away from us.

VIERU: He only wants the glory for himself.

He does not think about the girls.

Suddenly, everybody is thinking about Nadia.

It is best for her, Gheorghe.

Hmm.

Well, maybe it's time Nadia did retire.

Retire?

No, no, we are transferring the entire team to Bucharest.

I will be personally responsible for Nadia.

No!

Now she has done enough!

[CLATTERING]

Gheorghe...

Do you have any idea

how important your daughter is to the nation?

She gets thousands of letters every week.

The whole world loves her.

It is true, it is true. She is a national treasure.

We must do what is best for Nadia.

With your permission, of course.

No!

No, Stefania!

GHEORGHE: No!

Nobody's here.

[PHONE RINGING]

I'll get it.

[PHONE RINGING]

Oh, dear.

Nobody's here today.

What shall we do?

Where could they be?

Here?

[CHUCKLING]

Aah!

Ha-ha! In here! Ha-ha!

Come on, where are you?

[CHUCKLING]

Bela.

The girls.

They're gone.

What?

The team, they have been moved to Bucharest.

That's impossible.

It's true, Bela.

But we're their coaches.

Not anymore.

Nadia, too?

All of them.

Family...

For nine years, Marta, we were family.

Say! Nadia Comaneci.

Boys! Nadia Comaneci.

Hello.

Could we play?

Later, perhaps.

Find a place to stretch, and welcome.

I'm George Condovici, your new coach.

Good morning, sir.

Good morning.

Is it always like this?

Just to warm up.

The boys prefer soccer to calisthenics.

What about the girls?

They stretch and then duck.

So, Nadia, how do you like Bucharest?

Terrific.

[DANCE MUSIC PLAYING]

Hi.

Come on in, have some beer.

I'm Spitzy.

Nadia, let me introduce you around.

Hey, everybody!

This is Nadia.

[ALL CLAPPING]

You must be the other one.

That's me.

I'm Sorin.

Care to dance?

Love to. Okay, let's go.

Why are you called Spitzy?

I look German.

ALL: Nadia, Nadia...

Nadia, Nadia...

This way.

Go!

Oh!

[PANTING]

They all recognize you.

Everybody.

You must be the most famous person in Romania.

[SOFT MUSIC PLAYING]

[APPLAUSE]

Ladies and gentlemen,

distinguished guests.

I propose a toast

to Romania's Olympic champion.

Little Ms. Perfect.

Nadia Comaneci.

ALL: Nadia! Nadia!

Oh! [CHUCKLING] There she is again.

That's twice this week.

Three times.

NEWS REPORTER: At a state banquet this evening...

Oh!

She's having a wonderful time.

Why does she look so sad?

She doesn't look sad.

GHEORGHE: Well, what's wrong with her?

MARTA: Oh...

She is becoming a woman.

GHEORGHE: A spoiled woman, I'd say.

Well, she is in Bucharest,

where she belongs.

GIRL: Oh, Nadia!

Would you like another new dress, dear? Oh...

You must come!

Why, the President himself is expecting you.

[GIRLS LAUGHING]

What about the rest of us, huh?

Meatballs?

Speaking of food,

have you noticed how big she's been getting lately?

Fat is the word.

I mean... Fat is the word!

[GIRLS LAUGHING]

Oh! Uh, Nadia, hi!

Uh, we were just...

'Night! Good night.

Is that how you talk about me when I am not here?

You tell everybody I'm fat, right?

No... Right?

I don't have to, Nadia.

Look at you. You are fat!

I thought you were my best friend.

That's what all the newspapers say.

Well, aren't you?

You know, I'm tired of being Nadia's best friend.

A lot of people think that I am better than you are.

If you are better,

then why don't you win?

I do, when you're not around.

If you didn't exist, I'd have been the star.

I'm not competing with you.

I've worked just as hard as you have!

I deserve more!

You've got Bela.

He always chose you over me.

Bela hates me.

Then why did he spend all of his time working with you?

And you walked out on him.

What about you?

He didn't care about me leaving.

It was always Nadia, Nadia, Nadia.

I took an Olympic silver medal

right next to you and no one even knows I was there!

It's not my fault if people don't pay attention to you!

I wish they would!

I wish they'd leave me alone.

I'll be happy

to leave you alone!

Fine with me!

I don't need you!

Don't be my friend!

Don't be my friend at all!

STEFANIA: Bucharest is so beautiful!

NADIA: Parts of it are.

Nadia...

Adrian and I...

are moving to Bucharest.

Soon.

What about papa?

Oh...

Your papa and I were...

We're getting a divorce.

It was bound to happen sooner or later.

You've seen us fight,

and for Adrian's sake,

I had to. He'll be much happier here.

Mr. Vieru has arranged everything.

We'll be together.

Adrian and I, and you...

I'll miss Papa.

He'll stay in Onesti.

Well, he has his garage to run.

And his plum brandy.

How are the Karolyis?

Oh, you didn't hear?

They've moved to Deva.

Deva? Mm.

Are they starting over?

I suppose so.

The Onesti Council blames him for losing the national team

and rightfully so.

I didn't even get to say goodbye.

What?

Oh, nothing.

Oh...

We'll have so much fun here.

It's a whole new life!

We could let her find her own way.

Be patient.

Be patient?

I am the one who moved her here.

Remember? She's not even training.

No, she is not.

For the first time since she was six years old.

But she will.

She must.

I want you to confine her to the dormitory.

And restrict her eating.

You want me to do that?

Yes. Now.

And...

No visitors.

Hi!

You're okay?

Go away.

You want me to spot?

Go away.

Just go away.

Go away!

Have it your way.

[RADIO MUSIC PLAYING]

[RADIO MUSIC STOPS PLAYING]

[SIGHING]

Where are you going?

To get juice, do you mind?

[GIRLS CHATTING]

May I see Nadia?

No visitors.

What is this?

Solitary?

No visitors.

Solitary.

Now where?

Is Kurt there?

Do you know where he went?

Well, never mind.

Nobody home?

Why don't you leave me alone?

All of you.

Just go away!

Gabriella! Hi!

Come on, let's go for a walk.

[SOLEMN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]

NADIA: Help!

[GROANING]

NADIA: Help!

Help me!

Help!

WOMAN: Hey, she tried to kill herself!

Really, she tried to kill herself!

MAN: Oh God! That's Nadia.

[PHONE RINGING]

Nadia...

Come home with me.

Forget gymnastics.

You'll be happy.

Lead a simple life,

take walks.

Climb trees?

Yeah.

The taller the better.

I couldn't do it, papa.

Look at me.

I love you any way you are.

No, papa.

I'm so ashamed.

You don't be.

You're alive, that's all that matters.

No, papa.

It isn't all that matters.

I have to be the best.

Oh... [CHUCKLING SOFTLY]

You've already done that.

Now that you are growing, there are all kinds of things that you could do.

I have to train.

Harder than ever now.

Does Bela know?

Maybe not.

Bela's far away.

[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]

[APPLAUSE]

ANNOUNCER: Emilia Eberle,

9.90.

It is another gold medal for Deva,

and the Deva team

increases its lead over the Bucharest national teams.

Just breathe!

Come on, we've got them. They can't win!

[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]

[APPLAUSE]

Congratulations.

Thank you!

It is so good to finally beat the national...

Hello, Bela.

How is our top coach?

[SIGHING]

Hello.

Any new Nadias on your team?

There will never be another Nadia,

and even if I had one, I wouldn't tell you.

Tell me about, say, Emilia Eberle.

Emilia? Yes.

Yes, you just saw her.

She will win another gold before the evening is over.

Yes.

Impressive.

How old?

Twelve.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

The whole team is 12.

They are harder to steal when they are 12.

[APPLAUSE]

[APPLAUSE]

Bela, I wanted to tell you personally,

that we at the Federation, are very impressed

with the work that you have done in Deva.

You should be.

Yes!

In fact, we had a special meeting last night.

And? And, well...

Under the circumstances, we want you

to take over the national team.

No.

Bela, you are the best. We need you.

Nicholae,

the World Championships are five weeks away.

Five weeks!

How could I possibly prepare a team in five weeks?

We want you to use your team

as the national team.

Deva becomes the national team?

Yes. Of course.

Plus, two from Bucharest.

Which two?

Teodora and Nadia. And Nadia.

No.

Bela, Nadia is having some problems and she needs you.

No, I won't do it.

She is the defending champion and you are her coach!

Was her coach! You stole her from me!

I was too rough, remember?

They left me eight months ago without looking back.

Not a letter, not a phone call, nothing!

Well, we have started over in Deva,

and that is where we will stay.

You are defying the orders of the Sports Federation?

Yes.

Keep your national team in Bucharest.

ANNOUNCER: On the Uneven bars,

from Deva, Emilia Eberle.

[APPLAUSE]

Can you believe it, Marta, four gold medals!

Yes, I can believe it.

To the little ones.

The little ones.

Are you going to tell me?

Or do I have to ask?

You saw me talking with Vieru.

He wants you to take Nadia back.

And Teodora.

Are you going to do it?

Bela, he can close our school down.

He can drive us out of coaching.

Yes, I know.

I know...

[KNOCKING AT DOOR]

Who is it?

Yes?

Nadia?

Nadia?

Is that you?

BELA: Nadia?

How could that happen to her?

[WHISPERING] She's totally dependent on you.

What do you mean?

Bela, you didn't teach her to control her appetite.

You took away her food.

Nadia is not dependent on me.

She is irritatingly independent.

She always fought with me.

And you always won.

[SIGHING] Marta, I can't be with her forever.

What will she do then?

That's a very good question.

[LAUGHING]

Come on, come on, four kilometers to go, come on.

[GRUNTING]

Twenty-two, twenty-three.

Four!

High. High, higher!

Six, seven.

Eight.

Now remember you are the defending World Champion

and you do not wish to make a fool out of yourself.

Say it.

I'm the defending World Champion.

BOTH: I do not wish to make a fool out of myself.

[SOFT MUSIC PLAYING]

[BANG]

BELA: Wake up!

You let her get to the food!

I'm sorry.

I couldn't help myself.

[DOOR BANGS OPEN]

You can't stand the pressure of being a star.

Have some bread!

You want to self-destruct

so that nobody will recognize you!

Then you have some butter on it!

Have some chicken!

Have some ham!

You want something to comfort you when the going gets rough,

have some cottage cheese.

And when you are through with this,

here's some money, you go down to the ice cream parlor

and you buy desert!

[PLATES SHATTERING]

So, why are you not eating?

I don't want to.

Good.

But from now on, Nadia, it is up to you.

You cannot depend on me anymore.

I will teach you what to do.

But I can't make you do it.

And I won't do it for you.

[LIVELY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]

[GROANING]

Get up! Oh!

Please!

Get up, Nadia.

[CHUCKLING]

[YELLS IN PAIN] What?

What's wrong?

Just a scratch.

How did you do this?

It's my grips.

Sometimes, I raise a rash.

No, that looks infected.

I want you to have this looked at.

Please, stop fussing.

I'm not a little girl anymore.

It happens all the time.

I want you to take care of that.

Okay.

Okay.

[PANTING]

Come! Up!

No sauna tonight.

You go to bed.

I'll bring you a tray.

[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]

ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen!

Welcome to the 1979 World Championships

in Fort Worth, Texas.

What? What now?

[YELLING IN PAIN]

No, no, no. This is bad.

You'd better get this taken care of. Now!

We were this close to beating the Russians.

As always. If you hadn't been so careless.

Bela, please. Careless?

Yes, careless and stupid!

You make it sound like my fault.

It is your fault.

I told you to take care of that.

You are no use to us like that.

ANNOUNCER: Next on the vault,

Steffi Kraker.

[APPLAUSE]

ANNOUNCER: From Romania,

Teodora Ungureanu.

[APPLAUSE]

[SOFT MUSIC PLAYING]

[APPLAUSE]

[APPLAUSE]

ANNOUNCER: Teodora Ungureanu,

9.25.

[APPLAUSE]

Next on the vault,

for the USA,

Christa Canary.

So, Nadia...

How do you like Fort Worth?

The judges were tough on you.

It was about right.

I usually do better.

Mm-hmm.

Judges resent the fact that little girls grow up.

Nadia, gymnastics has changed.

We're the ones that changed it.

What used to be special, is now ordinary.

You and I, we can't compete with ourselves anymore.

ANNOUNCER: Next, from Romania,

Emilia Eberle.

I wanted to help the team win, if I could.

But before Fort Worth, I had already decided to retire.

It's tough being with a lot of 12-year-olds that are better than I am.

They're not!

Not all of them.

But they're getting better

and I'm getting worse.

It's time.

What will you do?

Join the circus.

Circus?

Yeah, it'll be fun.

Oh... And,

I'm going to marry the handsomest man in the world.

Sorin?

He doesn't know about it yet.

But the circus, it was his idea.

I know you'll be happy.

Nadia.

Yes?

I'm sorry.

For what?

For being jealous.

You deserve all your wins.

I have often wondered what would have happened

if Bela had chosen you at Paris,

instead of me.

So have I.

[SPECTATORS GROAN]

[APPLAUSE]

The Russians are going to win again.

ANNOUNCER: Emilia Eberle,

8.95.

[APPLAUSE]

What are you doing?

I will compete.

ANNOUNCER: Next on the vault...

I can't let you. ANNOUNCER: Suzy Kellems.

What does the team need to win?

9.9.

Tell the judges I'm competing.

Are you sure? Tell them.

ANNOUNCER: Suzy Kellems, 9.75.

Nadia... I'll stretch a bit.

Nadia Comaneci will perform today.

More.

I understand now.

You do?

I can do it on my own.

Thank you.

ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen,

a surprise entry, for Romania,

Nadia Comaneci!

[APPLAUSE]

What did you do to her?

For the first time,

nothing!

[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]

Yeah!

[APPLAUSE]

ANNOUNCER: Nadia Comaneci, 9.95.

We did it!

We're number one!

ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen,

the winners of the 1979 World Championships,

Romania!

[APPLAUSE]

[CROWD CHANTING] Nadia! Nadia! Nadia!

[DRAMATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING]