Perfect 10 gymnast Nadia Comăneci looks back on history-defining moment 50 years after Montreal Olympics

It’s nearly 50 years to the day since a 14-year-old Romanian gymnast made Olympic history and etched herself in the collective memory of Montrealers forever.

On July 18, 1976, Nadia Comăneci became the first gymnast ever to earn a perfect 10 at the Olympic Games – a moment that would forever change the sport.

“It’s very emotional for me to come back to Montreal every time, even though it’s been at least three generations have passed,” said the now 64-year-old Comăneci.

Comăneci’s perfect score on the uneven bars helped her win the all-around gold medal. She also won gold on the uneven bars and balance beam.

The feat was so unprecedented that the Omega scoreboard wasn’t programmed to display a 10.0, and instead showed 1.00, briefly confusing the crowd. By the end of the Games, Comăneci had earned six more perfect 10s, cementing her place in Olympic history.

“She was the perfect 10 at the Olympics,” said Jerry Sherman, a Montrealer.

Another Montrealer, Lisa Maria, said, “It was a bus, it was a big bus. Not only here, internationally. You know, she was very well known, and Montreal since then was very well known.”

“When you think about the world that we live today and how fast people turn, something happens, we close the door and we move on,” the former Olympian said. “To be able to recall moments that happened 50 years ago, it’s very, very rare and unique.

“It means that we really have to have an impact on somebody’s life to remember that moment.”

Returning to the city where it all began, the five-time Olympic champion will be honoured with an honorary doctorate from l’Université de Montréal on July 31, and a commemorative plaque will be unveiled at the Centre Claude-Robillard.

“She was best. She got a 10 on her movements, she was terrific,” said Harvey Diamond, a Montrealer.

Ray Brown, another Montrealer, said, “I remember she was extraordinary in her abilities and her performance. That’s what I remember.”

Victor Rodriguez, another Montrealer, said, “You just saw this very young athlete, stress-free, enjoying her routine and just, only a perfect 10.”

The next day, Comăneci will visit the “Montreal 1976: An Olympic Feat” exhibit at the McCord Stewart Museum.

She’ll then then end her trip with a special “Nadia Day” meet-and-greet at Olympic Park for people who share her name, ahead of a celebration and concert.

“Idea to be able to keep the Olympic rings and to show that this city has hosted a historic Olympic Games,” Comăneci said. “I really believe that this is going to help and I will be there if this comes back, hopefully soon.”