The town of Onesti will mark, from May 29 to 31, the 50th anniversary of the historic moment at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, when Nadia Comaneci achieved the first perfect 10 in gymnastics history, through a series of events including 'The Road to Perfection', the symbolic route followed by the great champion from her home to the training hall.

'As part of the series of events entitled ‘Homage to Perfection', one of the most emotional moments will be the inauguration and official opening of the themed route ‘The Road to Perfection - AURIGINI'. ‘The Road to Perfection - AURIGINI' symbolically recreates the route Nadia Comaneci followed as a child, from her home in Onesti to the gymnasium where she trained daily and where the foundations of a career that would change the history of sport were laid. The project, initiated by the Onesti Municipal Sports Club, aims to promote the city's sporting heritage and transform the defining places of Nadia's childhood into an urban cultural, educational and tourist circuit. Along the route, interactive themed markers, memorial panels and multimedia elements will recreate the atmosphere of Onesti in the 1970s and tell the story of the generation that achieved excellence and set records in gymnastics. The project incorporates modern technologies - QR codes and augmented reality experiences - offering the public an insight into the world in which champion Nadia Comaneci was formed,' the organisers said in a press release sent to AGERPRES on Tuesday.

Nadia Comaneci said she was deeply moved to be returning to her home town 50 years after her great achievement.

'For me, returning to Onesti always carries a special emotional significance. That is where I took my first steps in gymnastics, where I learned the meaning of discipline, courage and pursuing a dream to the very end. The fact that I am returning now, 50 years after the first perfect 10, makes this anniversary even more special. It is not only a celebration of a sporting achievement, but also a celebration of the people, the places and everyone who was part of this journey. I am delighted that I will be able to relive these moments alongside the people of Onesti, the new generations of athletes and all those who have kept alive the emotion of that story. Onesti will always remain my first home, the place where it all began,' Nadia Comaneci said.

Nadia Comaneci's former great rival, Nellie Kim, who also received a perfect 10 at the 1976 Olympic Games, sent a message thanking the Romanian gymnast for continuing to remind people of her own achievement as well.

'She was an exceptional gymnast and she is an extraordinary person. I always smile when journalists react with surprise after Nadia reminds them: ‘And Nellie also received a 10.' Some simply do not remember, or never knew, that I too achieved a perfect 10 in Montreal. The fact that she insists on pointing this out shows sincerity, respect and dignity,' said Nellie Kim, who received her first score of 10 shortly after Nadia.

'Romanians should be very proud of Nadia and of what her achievements mean for Romania and for Onesti. Thanks to Nadia, the whole world knows the name of the town of Onesti. It is something truly special!' she added.

The official inauguration and walk along 'The Road to Perfection - AURIGINI', alongside Nadia Comaneci, will take place on May 31 as part of the anniversary programme 'Homage to Perfection', which includes international gymnastics competitions, exhibitions, press conferences and the Champions' Gala.

'The project ‘The Road to Perfection - AURIGINI' represents not only a tribute, but also an investment in the collective memory, sporting identity and cultural future of the municipality of Onesti. The route will be developed with the involvement of former coaches and athletes, as well as local institutions, with each themed marker dedicated to a stage in the training of the gymnasts from Nadia's generation. It is a first step towards integrating the route into cultural and sports tourism platforms, while also helping to strengthen Onesti's identity as the European City of Sport 2026. The project is fully financed through sponsorship provided by the OMV Petrom Foundation via the FORGYM Foundation Bucharest, and the beneficiary is the Onesti Municipal Sports Club,' the press release added.

On July 10, 2025, President Nicusor Dan signed the decree promulgating the law designating 2026 as the 'Year of Nadia Comaneci', marking 50 years since the legendary performances of the Romanian gymnast at the 21st Summer Olympic Games held in Montreal in 1976, including the first perfect 10 in world gymnastics history. Several events will be organised throughout 2026 as part of this project, coordinated by the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Adrian Tone; EN - writing by: Cristina Zaharia)