The Discussion: Martha Karolyi

Romila Storjohann (GymNiceTic): ...(one of) the main reasons why the USA is on top of the gymnastics world. She may have a strange accent, she may have the bad habit to grab the girls by the neck or squeeze their faces between her hands, she may put a lot of pressure on the gymnasts during camps and trials, she may be frightening or even tyrannic. But while she's doing all this, the U.S. team constantly won medals. Two questions remain: Is it worth it? And who will be the next "Martha"?

 

Beatrice Gheorghisor (Gymnastics No Ceiling): ...entertaining, wise and repugnant at the same time. The person that I love to hate. But she is good at what she does, I have no doubt.

 

Jen (Full In Full Out): …climbing in your window, snatching your sandwich up.

 

Katie (Full Twist): ...not someone I’ve made my mind up about just yet. I’ve read too many negative pieces and opinions on her, I’d like to give her the benefit of the doubt rather than jump on the band wagon and dislike her. After all training so many World and Olympic Champions, she has to be doing something right!

 

Brigid McCarthy (The Couch Gymnast): ...going to retire. That will be seriously, seriously weird -- like the headmistress deserting the school. U.S. gymnastics fans won't know whether to party or panic! 

 

Clara (STOI!): ...a person who inspires me to the sort of sentiments and language that would get this post censored. I'll just say that she's overrated. Certainly the US have won a lot of medals on her watch. But my grandma could've got title contending teams out of some of the talent she's had to work with. And I'm not talking about the grandma that's still alive.

 

Plus, a lot of the teams have basically chosen themselves during her reign, either because of injuries or lack of depth. I'd put ‘09, ‘08, ‘06 and ‘05 all in this category. It doesn't take a lot of skill to identify the only contenders left who are still capable of competing.

 

Dave (Aunt Joyce's Ice Cream Stand): ...a saving grace of USA Gymnastics. Without her guidance or presence, the current U.S. team would be at risk for suffering a similar fall-off to what occurred during the 1997-2000 quad. Martha held the team together and demanded preparation. There may have been individual success, but she is absolutely responsible for the success of the team as a whole.

 

Vanessa Steck (Wild/Precious): ...wily, strategic, and take no prisoners. 

 

Rick McCharles (Gymnastics Coaching): ...underappreciated. ...She's going to be very hard to replace. Marta's done a great job in a terribly difficult role. 

 

Mihai (Fangymnastics): ...a symbol of women gymnastics. Her personality, her abilities as a coach and her unique way of behaving (or speaking) will remain forever in our minds and in the history books.

 

Martina Eggeling (Gymnastics United): ...controlling USA gymnastics a little bit too much maybe. Sometimes people put into question of if gymnasts for a big event are chosen only after what they show at camp or if personal preferences are used too often. It seems like some gymnasts are refused any chances no matter how well they do where as others are given chances and chances all over again.

 

Blythe Lawrence (Gymnastics Examiner): ...zee brains behind zee operaaayshun!

 

Your take: Got a strong opinion on U.S. Women's National Team Coordinator Martha Karolyi? Let's hear it. Join The Discussion and leave a comment below.