"We have to safeguard women’s sports"- Legendary gymnast Nadia Comaneci shares unfiltered opinion on IOC ruling on transgender athletes

Former gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci recently expressed her opinion on the IOC ruling. Under the leadership of current president Kirsty Coventry, the International Olympic Committee has indicated towards a future ban on the participation of trans athletes in women's sports.

In a recent interview with the news portal Americano, Comaneci backed the IOC ruling. She also commented that it is necessary to ensure the safety of women's sports.

Comaneci elaborated on this point further when asked about the Imane Khelif issue. She explained,

"Of course, we have to safeguard women’s sports and use the rules so that everyone competes fairly. It was a great decision by the new president of the International Olympic Committee. I understand the importance of inclusion, but women’s sports are for women."

Comaneci referred to the case of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, whose participation at the Paris Olympics was under the radar of controversy due to the questions around her gender identity. Comenaci also opened up about the issue of mental health and how it was handled in her times as she added,

"In those circumstances, it was taboo. It wasn’t talked about because it was considered a weakness, and now I think it’s good that everyone understands that even if you don’t play sports, it’s part of life, and it will happen to you at some point."

Nadia Comaneci made her Olympic debut at the Montreal edition in 1976, becoming the first gymnast to record a 'Perfect 10' score. She won a total of nine Olympic medals [including five gold medals] between her participation at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

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Nadia Comaneci opens up on Simone Biles' legacy

Nadia Comaneci and Simone Biles at the 2025 Laureus World Sport Awards [Image Source: Getty]

Nadia Comaneci also spoke about the illustrious legacy of gymnastics sensation Simone Biles in the aforementioned interview. When asked if someone could replace Biles, Comaneci simply replied,

"I don’t think anyone can reach her level, at least not for the next 50 years. Or if it happens at some point, it’s too soon to say who will be her successor. Perhaps next year, when I see the new gymnasts, I’ll be able to say who the next one might be."

Nadia Comaneci has been quite vocal about her admiration for Simone Biles, who is the joint second most successful female gymnast, alongside Czech gymnast Vera Caslavska, with a total of 11 Olympic medals. Larisa Latynina is the most successful gymnast with a total of 18 Olympic medals.