Nadia Comaneci, the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 at the Olympics, met her future husband, Bart Conner, at the American Cup at Madison Square Garden in New York City in March 1976.

Both were young and at the beginning of their careers: Comaneci was only 14 and Conner 17. The meeting was immortalized in a photo in which a photographer suggested that Conner kiss Comaneci on the cheek, a moment that would become a significant memory in their relationship.

Rising stars in gymnastics

Three months after they met, Comaneci made history at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, scoring seven perfect 10s and becoming a global superstar. Her achievements redefined gymnastics and propelled her to international fame.

Conner, on the other hand, finished 46th at the same Olympics. Despite his lower ranking, he had a successful career in gymnastics, although his path to fame was markedly different from Comaneci’s meteoric rise.

Reconnecting after years of being apart

Comaneci and Conner diverged after their first meeting, but reunited in 1991, a pivotal moment in both their lives. This reunion came after Comaneci fled her native Romania in search of freedom and opportunity. Their bond grew stronger, leading to their marriage in 1996.

Building a life together

Nadia Comaneci and Bart Conner have built a life around their shared love of gymnastics. They co-own and operate the Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy in Oklahoma, where they coach and inspire new generations of gymnasts. Their son, Dylan Paul, born in 2006, is a testament to their enduring partnership, both personally and professionally.

Celebrating 20 years of marriage

In April 2016, Comaneci and Conner celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary, reflecting on their journey together from young athletes to life partners. Their story, which began with a spontaneous kiss for a photo, has grown into one of enduring love and mutual support.

Looking back on their journey

In the Olympic edition of “Oprah: Where Are They Now?”, Comaneci and Conner share reflections on their unique love story. Conner humorously recalls their first meeting and the kiss that started it all, while Comaneci’s groundbreaking achievements in gymnastics remain a central theme in their story. Despite the differences in their Olympic journeys, their shared experiences have created a strong foundation for their relationship.

Continuing their legacy

Nadia Comaneci and Bart Conner continue to contribute to the world of gymnastics. Their work at Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy ensures that their legacy lives on, inspiring young athletes to strive for excellence. Their story is a powerful example of how a shared passion can lead to a lifetime of love and partnership.

Conclusion

Nadia Comaneci and Bart Conner’s love story is one that spans decades and transcends the world of sports. From their first meeting as young gymnasts to their roles as coaches and parents, their journey is a testament to their dedication to each other and to gymnastics.

The kiss that started it all has become a symbol of their enduring bond, proving that sometimes the most important moments in life happen when we least expect them.