Olga Korbut
While many see Nadia Comaneci as the definitive gymnast, most agree that it was the charismatic Belarussian Olga Korbut who changed the sport forever.
Korbut and her coach Renald Knysh broke new ground by gaining permission for Korbut to compete at senior level at just 14 (the required age at the time was 16).
In the years leading up to the 1972 Munich Olympics the pair revolutionised the sport. Moves like the Korbut Salto (a backward aerial somersault on the beam), the Korbut Flip (a backward flip release move on the bars) and the Korbut Flic-flac (on the beam) are still among the most difficult moves in the sport.
In Munich Korbut stunned the world with such innovative moves and her endearing smile. And while she missed out on the all-round title after a mistake on the bars she went on to win gold in the individual beam and floor exercises and silver on the uneven bars.
Korbut retired in 1977 and the following year married the Russian musician Leonid Borkevich, whom she'd met on a plane journey in the United States. The couple had a son, Richard, in 1979.
In the 1980s Olga spent much of her time coaching young Russian gymnasts and also took up other interests, including horse riding - in which she became a nationally ranked equestrienne.
A personal turning-point came in 1986 at the time of the Chernobyl disaster. Determined to help the victims of the tragedy she used her celebrity status to raise awareness and money. She became a victim herself, contracting a thyroid condition.
In 1991 Korbut and her family emigrated to the United States, and she started up as a freelance gymnast teacher in Atlanta. She remains an outspoken supporter of the sport and now has her own gymnastics school.
feedback | low graphics version
