Ah, why do I love thee? I sent you fan letters as a child (not to Nadia although I liked her too) with dreams of becoming your new protegee. The fact that I was already past the age where I needed to begin my training would not have been a problem for the most fabulous coach in the world. I remember your defection, I remember all the the special dispensations for you to get your citizenship. I remember all your successes at coaching here in the US despite the criticisms from people who didn't understand your drive to make your gymnasts succeed.Although we only get to see you at the Olympics now and not in the stands or in the coaches area you still are awesome. With your walrus moustache (reminiscent of Wilfred "testing Supplies" Brimley) and your emphatic opinions about the lack of skillful judges (they really did suck at times), I watched late into the night just to see you and your mismatched shoes and jacket combos go off on the scoring system and the lack of competent gymnastics judges. The wardrobe fail was somehow endearing combined with your still heavy Romanian/Hungarian accent.
I will always have that little dream of being your greatest champion ever and getting a big bear hug from the strict yet lovable Romanian coach. See you in 2012 Bela!
