This is the transcript of a profile of Henrietta, originally broadcasted by ABC during its 1990 World Cup coverage. Transcribed by Nikki Kim.

 
Kathy Johnson voice-over: The walls of Henrietta Onodi's bedroom are covered with the faces of the stars she adores, and at such a young age, she too has become a star. Fan mail has arrived from around the world, with many wondering what she's like away from gymnastics.

Henrietta Onodi: I dunno. You'll have to come to my home to see for yourself.

KJ: Home is Bekescsaba, a city of 70,000 about 100 miles from Budapest. It's called the storm corner of Hungary because of its tradition of opposition, and its people have once again raised their voices, this time to herald the arrival of a new star.

Henrietta started gymnastics at the age of 5, but in the early years she was set apart not by her ability, but by her size. At the age of 9, her potential was spotted by her current coaches. They have been inseparable ever since, and she has become more of a daughter than a pupil. Together, she has become the greatest female gymnast known in Onodi's lifetime.

Every aspect of Henrietta's life is orchestrated so she can reach her full potential as a gymnast. While other do their exercising at school Henrietta receives special tutoring in a class of two* so she can maximize the limited time set aside for her studies. Her curriculum: math, economics, and English.

HO: No, I don't feel that I am a special person. All these things were arranged this way to maximize training with all the other everyday activities.

KJ: The true harmony in Henrietta's life can be found at home, where she lives with her father, Janos, and her mother, Kati**. While many gymnasts in the Soviet Union or United States leave home to reach their potential, she's been fortunate to find the perfect training environment at home - an edge that ultimately may be the reason for her success. Onodi may be one of Hungary's most decorated athletes, but in many respects she's like an average sixteen-year-old, living at home and attending school. And, in at least one way she's like an average sixteen-year-old American...

HO: (in English) My favorite group is New Kids on the Block.***

Notes:
* - The other person in this special class of two doubtlessly has to be Krisztina Kovacs, another promising gymnast whose career was unfortunately cut short by back problems.
** - I was told that what Kathy Johnson actually said was her mother's name is Caroline (sic), but that is in conflict with the more reliable source, IG, which reported Henrietta's mother's name as Kati.
*** - Well, you have to give her a break here. Remember that she was an impressionable teenager then.


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