| ![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/themes/time2014/img/newsletter/spacer.gif) | JOHN G. ZIMMERMAN | ![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/themes/time2014/img/newsletter/spacer.gif) | The Aug. 2, 1976, cover of TIME | ![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/themes/time2014/img/newsletter/spacer.gif) | ![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/themes/time2014/img/newsletter/spacer.gif) | |
“She leaps, twists, spins, and the 18,000 people in Montreal's Forum realize that they are witnessing an exhibition of individual achievement that is truly Olympian. The judges agree. Their verdict on Nadia Comaneci 14, of Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej, Rumania: she is perfect. Never before in the modern Olympic Games, which date back to 1896, has the performance of a gymnast been judged perfect. But within five days last week Comaneci earned the 10.00 mark seven times.”
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