Nadia Comaneci and the Secret Police A Cold War Escape, by Stejărel Olaru, Translated by Alistair Ian Blyth

 Publication April 6,2023

In 1976, with her dazzling gymnastics performance at the Olympics, Nadia Comaneci won the hearts of the world. Little known beforehand, she emerged an idol to many, an inspiration to others, such as a young Michelle Obama, who begged to take gymnastics classes, while others simply wanted the fame and fortune that surely followed. Right? 

Well, that was what most thought. The reality, as this book reveals in occasionally excruciating detail, was far from ideal. In fact, Nadia was living a nightmare, surrounded by manipulative coaches and spies, spies everywhere, taking photos and notes, and both physically and mentally abused. 

This book  made me sad and angry. I found myself having to take frequent breaks from reading as it detailed life under the microscope of autocratic rule. Toss in harsh training, abuse at the hands of trainers Bela and Marta Karolyi, and being largely separated from family and friends, with no freedom to simply disappear for awhile, and you have her life. Decisions were made for her, not always for her own good. 

I cringed as I read of not just physical abuse but how Nadia and teammates training with her were kept on near starvation diets, belittled, overworked, and forced to compete despite illness or injury. I couldn't help flashing to thoughts of American gymnastic star Simone Biles and her decision to skip several event competitions in a recent Olympics. Nadia never had that option. Her life wasn't her own. She was a hero, true, but quite frankly, used as a tool of the state. She was pretty much under surveillance 24/7.

Based on information found in formerly secret files, the author has done a superb job ferreting out information on not just Nadia, Bela and Marta Karolyi, but some of the behind-the-scenes going on with scoring and such. Much of the focus is on Bela Karolyi, however. I should note that neither Bela nor Marta Karolyi responded when asked by the author for comment. I'm not going to detail the long list of facts here -- the research was in depth and there is a wealth of information here on not just Nadia's situation but life in autocratic states. It isn't an easy read but is well worth the effort. If you're like me, you'll find yourself both drawn to and repulsed by what is revealed. Like many, I, too, watched Nadia shine in 1976. If only I had known....

Thank you #NetGalley and #BloomsburyAcademic for giving us the hard, unsettling truth.