Women in sports: Which female was the first Olympic gymnast to receive a perfect "10" rating from the judges - in the 1976 Olympics?

Nadia Comaneci, a Romanian gymnast, made history at the 1976 Montreal Olympics by becoming the first female gymnast to achieve a perfect "10" score. At just 14 years old, Comaneci stunned the world with her flawless routine on the uneven bars during the team compulsory portion of the competition on July 18, 1976. This unprecedented accomplishment was so unexpected that the scoreboard, designed only to display three digits, initially flashed "1.00" because it couldn't register a perfect 10.00.

Comaneci's performance was a pivotal moment for gymnastics, redefining what was considered possible in the sport. Her "Nadia touch," as she described it, involved adding amplitude and a unique personal flair to every skill, even in compulsory routines where every gymnast performed the same elements. Throughout the 1976 Games, she went on to earn a total of seven perfect 10s, securing three gold medals in the all-around, uneven bars, and balance beam, along with a silver for her team and a bronze for floor exercises.

Her groundbreaking acrobatics and style pushed the sport to new heights, including innovative elements like the "Comaneci salto" on the uneven bars, a move so difficult it still holds an 'E' rating in the sport's Code of Points. Comaneci's remarkable achievements captivated audiences globally and transformed women's gymnastics into a premier Olympic event, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire athletes and shape the sport today.