![]() In past years, the Olympic team was decided during a training camp at the ranch after Trials, but because of time restraints, the official team was decided earlier this year. "It's the heart and soul of the machine … where all the blood, sweat and tears of USA Gymnastics comes together," said USA Gymnastics President Steve Penny in a USA Todayarticle. The program was created for parents who did not want to be separated from their children for long periods of time and was modeled off of programs in Romania. USA Gymnastics covers travel expenses for team members and their coaches. Gymnasts arrive with club coaches about once a month for four days of training under the Karolyi’s direction, along with her staff. The ranch is in partnership with USA Gymnastics. The couple built a training center in a remote ranch 50 miles north of Houston. Karolyi and Bela defected from Romania in 1981 and made it a mission to develop America into a gymnastics powerhouse. “If that is not your goal, then you are in the wrong place.” I state that every moment when I have a chance,” Karolyi said in an interview with Time. She and Bela have received a mixed response from people, some of whom agree with their methods, like Nastia Liukin, and others who believe it is too harsh, like Dominique Moceanu. She pushes the gymnasts to always be punctual, driven, have a strong work ethic and strive for nothing less than perfection. Some say it’s impossible to be perfect, but Karolyi has witnessed perfection before-when Nadia Comaneci stole the show at the 1976 Games. Karolyi strives for nothing short of perfection, which is how she will give Team USA the extra push they need for gold. "I know the coaches and the gymnasts say, ‘Marta can see anything in the gym,’” Karolyi said in the interview. In the interview, Karoyli also discussed her special look, called the “Marta stare,” which she gives gymnasts when she thinks they can do something better. “The strongest workers are the only ones who can make it to the top.” "You must love the sport, be aggressive, enthusiastic, work hard on things that don't come easy to you,” Karolyi said in an interview with MSNBC. She is not scared to train the athletes extremely hard, insist that athletes fully dedicate themselves to the sport or make unpopular decisions, like not allowing Chellsie Memmel to try out for the Olympic Team. ![]() It may sound like a bold statement, but Team USA needs Karolyi to function. She might not be out there on the floor tumbling and performing, giving encouraging pep talks or even coaching the women’s every move, but without Karolyi, USA would not have a shot at the medal stand. As coordinator, Karolyi oversees all aspects of the women's national team, including athlete selection, meet lineups and recommendations about routines and skills.
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