Nadia Comaneci Invitational 1998

At the Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy, the Fifth Annual Nadia Comaneci Invitational was held over the Valentine's weekend. Over 400 gymnasts from all over the southwest competed in levels 4 through senior elite. 

A special treat for all is at the end of the competition.  Nadia handed out the medals and trophies!  Then Nadia and Bart posed photos and signed autographs for all those who wanted them. 

We want to make a special note that the level 4, 5, and 6 level team All-Arounds were won by the Tulsa World of Gymnastics.  We make this special note because we learned of this event from Mr. Warren, whose daughter is one of the TWOG gymnasts. He told us of the great excitement all the gymnasts felt at meeting Nadia. 

His daughter, Taylor, on returning home, wanted to learn more about Nadia.  Mrs. Warren was "just reeling and was more excited than anyone." noted Mr. Warren.  "After all, Nadia was/is to my wife what Dominique Moceanu is to my daughter." 

Mr. Warren also told us a great Nadia story, which we have reprinted here with his permission. 

"Bart was standing some distance away talking with a couple of people.  Nadia tried to get his attention.  She called to him in her thick accent, "Barrrdt" "Oh Barrrdt".  When he did not respond she looked around at all of us standing there, smiled, winked, then called out to him once more, "Mr. Comaneci!"  She laughed out and so did everyone else. She has a wonderful sense of humor and was very kind to all the girls."