Nadia Comăneci

Profession: Gymnast

Nationality:

Biography: Nadia first became internationally known winning the European Championship in 1975. She became a world-wide sensation at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, at 14 years old - becoming the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 - then doing it 6 more times. She won 3 individual gold medals in Montreal, and inspired global popularity in the sport.

In 1977 and 1979, she was again all-around European Champion. At the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, she scored 2 more perfect 10s, and won gold twice more.

In 1989, just prior to the Romanian revolution, she defected to America. She settled in Oklahoma, working with American gold medal winner Bart Conner at his gymnastics school.

In 1996, Nadia and Bart married at a lavish wedding in Bucharest, where the post-communist government welcomed her as a hero.

She continues to teach and promote gymnastics with Conner, and serves as an analyst for broadcasts. She is also involved in charities for children in Romania, diplomacy and the Special Olympics

Born: November 12, 1961
Birthplace: Onești, Romania
Age: 62 years old

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Scorpio