Dominic Mosiano, Bella Crowley.
Getty Images (2)Bella CrowleyThe gymnastics coach who trained Olympic superstars and helped propel America to the top of the sport died Friday, Nov. 15, at the age of 82, according to USA Gymnastics.
He leaves a controversial legacy for himself and his wife, along with the alleged rigor of his training methods. MarthaAssociation with former Team Doctor Larry NassarHe is currently serving a life sentence for sexual assault.
Retired gymnast Dominic Mosinauwho has been one of the players to speak out about Crowley’s allegedly abusive coaching practices in the past, including detailing his behavior in her 2012 memoir, has described her former coach as polarizing. Went to X to pay a wonderful tribute acknowledging the legacy.
“Bella Crowley was a man whose influence on my life and the sport of elite gymnastics was undoubtedly significant. He was a complex individual, with a mix of strengths and weaknesses who left a lasting impression on those around him. “Who has followed my story knows that my journey as a coach under Bella’s guidance came with immense challenges. His harsh words and critical demeanor often weighed heavily on me,” he elaborated .
Chip Somodiola/Getty Images Olympian Dominic Mochiano applauds the gymnasts representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “As someone who was directly coached by Bella and Martha Crowley, who began my coaching career in the US in 1981, I understand the intensity and demands of their influence over decades. Experienced myself,” Musiano, 42, wrote via X on. […]
“While our relationship has been fraught with difficulties, some of those difficult moments have helped me to forge and define my own path,” she added. “As we say goodbye to Bella, I choose to send loving thoughts to her family and loved ones, and to honor our relationship by embracing the lessons learned and striving to help create a better world. May he rest in peace where compassion and encouragement guide our actions.”
Karolyi and wife Martha also coached other world gymnastics champions in the United States and Romania, notably Nadia Komaniecki and Mary Lou Retten. Kamaneki posted a carousel of photos of himself and Carolee on Instagram on Saturday, captioning it “a big influence and influence in my life” along with a heart emoji.
Carolis, who defected from Romania to the United States in 1981, established his own gym in Houston within a year and became eight national champions in 13 years. Retton, in 1984, became the first American to win an Olympic all-around title, earning a perfect 10 on vault and a gold medal at that year’s Games in Los Angeles.
MyKayla Skinner said she is “coming to terms” with the abuse she allegedly endured under former Team USA coach Marta Karolyi. “I would like to formally apologize to Team USA and our gymnastics community for my comments during my recent YouTube episodes of the gymnastics Olympic trials,” Skinner, 27, said in an official statement. […]
The cause of Crowley’s death has not been disclosed, but he is said to have been in poor health in recent years. He and his wife Martha largely retired from the spotlight in 2016 after the Nasser scandal rocked the gymnastics world.
