“I think from a very young age you’re taught that your self-worth and how you feel should reflect what your coach thinks of you.” This is what Aly Raisman recalls of her life and the teachings of her coach. One of the most decorated gymnasts in America, Aly Raisman, accomplished glory under the tutelage of coach Mihai Brestyan.

Brestyan’s skill and commitment were vital to Raisman’s remarkable career, which included numerous Olympic and World Championship medals. The piece explores the lively connection between the captain of the 2012 “Fierce Five” and Brestyan, examining the coach’s influence on her success alongside his own notable gymnastics career.

Meet the coach who played a major role in Aly Raisman’s success

Mihai Brestyan is a mentor and a guiding factor in Aly Raisman’s life alongside being a coach. At the age of two, Raisman, who was born in Needham, Massachusetts, started gymnastics. Her innate talent was soon apparent. She began receiving coaching from Brestyan in 1996 and remained under his direction for the remaining years of her career.

The heights of Raisman’s career attest to Brestyan’s teaching abilities. She won 6x medals in the Olympics under his watchful eye, including gold for the team and individual in 2012 and 2016. Raisman excelled in national and international competitions on top of the Olympics. She won the World Team Championship in 2015 and the American Floor Exercise Championship twice. Raisman became a world-class gymnast largely because of the discipline and precision that Brestyan instilled in her.

The impact of Brestyan went beyond technical education as the 30-year-old notes, “I’m just going to listen to my coach.” Raisman gained grit and a strong work ethic from him. Raisman’s perseverance paid off when she encountered disappointments, like the 2012 Olympics, when she almost missed out on an all-around medal in a tiebreaker. She embodied the drive to succeed that Brestyan stressed in his coaching, staying laser-focused and inspired in the face of challenging circumstances.

The glorious coaching career of Mihai Brestyan

Mihai Brestyan is a Romanian-born American gymnastics coach who came to the US and made a name for himself there. Before taking over Raisman’s coaching responsibilities, Brestyan created a pinpoint for himself as a respected gymnast trainer, and many of the gymnasts he trained went on to win crowns nationally and internationally. A new chapter in his life began when he relocated to the United States and founded the Brestyan’s American Gymnastics Club in Massachusetts. This gym developed into a haven for professional gymnasts, producing champions because of Brestyan’s techniques.

However, Aly Raisman recalls a time when Mihai Brestyan gave her life lessons, expressing, “He would support me if I really wanted to, but he said, ‘Just go live your life and be happy. Enjoy yourself.'” Brestyan’s talent as a coach extended beyond Raisman. In addition, Alicia Sacramone—another accomplished Olympian—was under his supervision. One of the most admired people in the sport, Brestyan was able to coach players to reach their maximum potential. Thus, he stands out for his strategic planning and meticulous attention to detail for his individuals. Because of Brestyan’s athletes’ constant top-tier performance, American gymnastics has leaned heavily on his guidance. Brestyan’s legacy lives on as a source of inspiration and a standard for excellence in sports coaching.