Beyond the Games – Montreal’s Olympic Story
McCord Stewart Museum
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Chapters

Memorable performances

Nadia Comăneci

In 1976, Romanian gymnast Nadia Comăneci was dubbed the “Queen of the Games,” a title she richly deserved! Only 14 years old, she performed brilliantly at the Forum, where the gymnastics events were held, winning five medals, including three gold.

Nadia became famous in particular for being the very first gymnast in Olympic history to score a perfect 10.0, a feat she accomplished not just once, but seven times! The first one surprised the entire world. After she had finished an exceptional performance on the uneven bars, the scoreboard displayed… 1.0. The gymnast was confused. The crowd quickly realized that the board was unable to register her true score: a perfect 10.00! The applause in the stands was thunderous!

She was so popular that, outside the Forum, tickets worth $20 were selling for $200.

Ever since the 1976 Games, Nadia has remained very attached to Montreal. She comes back to visit often and even lived briefly in the Rosemont neighbourhood in 1990 and 1991.

Image details — The young gymnast Nadia Comăneci does a handstand on the uneven bars. She is wearing a white leotard with a blue, yellow and red stripe running down the sides. In the background are spectators, two photographers and a cameraman.
Nadia Comăneci on the uneven bars, July 21, 1976
Image details — Young gymnast Nadia Comăneci smiles during a floor routine, wearing a white leotard with a blue, yellow and red stripe running down the sides. Standing on an orange mat, she holds out her left arm and points her right foot in front of her, toes on the floor and her knee bent. A seated woman in the background watches her.
Nadia Comăneci striking a pose during her floor routine, July 22, 1976

Caitlyn Jenner

Long before becoming a reality TV star on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Caitlyn Jenner was already a sports legend.

In 1976, Caitlyn Jenner was a track and field star competing as Bruce Jenner. In a performance that shattered earlier scores, she set a new world record in the decathlon to beat Soviet Mykola Avilov, the Olympic champion at Munich in 1972. After placing 10th in the 1972 Games, a determined Jenner had undertaken an intensive training program with a specific goal in mind: win gold at Montreal. After the Games, Jenner immediately retired from sports.

As the story goes, she apparently left her vaulting poles behind in Montreal. Where could it be? No one knows for sure.

Image details — Caitlyn Jenner, then competing as Bruce Jenner, performs a high jump. Back arched and arms extended, the athlete in blue shorts and a red singlet just clears the bar.
Caitlyn Jenner performing the high jump in the decathlon, July 29, 1976
Image details — Caitlyn Jenner, then competing as Bruce Jenner, leans back on one leg, preparing to throw the javelin. The athlete is wearing blue shorts, a red singlet labelled USA, and a bib with the number 935. Three officials dressed in yellow, light blue and white watch in the background.
Caitlyn Jenner throwing the javelin during the decathlon, July 30, 1976