There is also no way of knowing whether the opinions of Bela and Marta will be considered – though you can bet they will be offered. There is no firm timetable to announce a successor, although it will likely be soon after the Rio Games end. USA Gymnastics has declined comment on Marta’s successor, saying the focus now is on the current gymnasts and the Olympic competition. Not for long, in a month or so they will be OK.” They are going to face a stressful first part. “When you introduce something brand new, like a system, the kids are not used yet. Not at money but human injuries and stuff like that. If he wants to change everything, it can be changed, but it is going to be a cost. “Valeri has the Russian system, which is different, very different than our system. She has no problem applying the system,” Bela said. “Rhonda was our gymnast, she knows the system, she grew up under the system. Though Liukin may deliver equal (or even better) results, it will require a transitional period. It’s clear he believes Faehn is the better choice if USA Gymnastics wants a seamless transition. “Both of them are knowledgeable, both of them good,” Bela said.įormer Florida coach Rhonda Faehn is one of the top candidates to replace Marta Karolyi. She is now a senior vice president with USA Gymnastics.īela Karolyi described the two as the candidates with “the best possibilities.” She is best known as a coach for building a juggernaut at the University of Florida, including capturing three consecutive NCAA titles from 2013-25. Although never competing in an Olympic event, the UCLA alum was believed to have maximized her potential. He would bring a training perspective rooted in the sport’s traditional home of Eastern Europe (although it is a different system than the one the Karolyi’s originally set up in Austria).įaehn, 45, is a protégé of the Karolyis who learned directly under Bela during her time on the U.S. Like the Karolyis he is outspoken, confident and boasts a big personality. He is the part owner of the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy, which has a location in the Dallas area and is the home gym of current USA team member Madison Kocian. Valerie is originally from Russia, where he won two gold medals in the 1988 Olympics. He also helped coach 2004 all-around champion Carly Patterson. Liukin, 49, is a particularly familiar name, having trained his daughter, Nastia, to the 2008 all-around Olympic gold medal. “These are the two biggest competitors,” Bela told Yahoo Sports Thursday. While there are many angling for the coveted job, Bela said it will come down to two candidates: Rhonda Faehn and Valeri Liukin. “And they will have a decision on when they are going to start, how are they going to start, what changes do they want to do … hopefully not too many.” “The new organization is going to step in,” Bela said. Marta Karolyi celebrates with the women’s gymnastics team.
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