Korbut

The USSR’s Olga Korbut, dubbed “the sparrow from Minsk,” became an international celebrity after stunning performances on the balance beam, floor exercises and uneven bars.

She never idolized — or copied — Russia’s Olga Korbut, the darling of the 1972 Games.

She never idolized - or copied - Russia’s Olga Korbut, the darling of the 1972 Games.

It continued with a coming out party for Soviet gymnast Olga Korbut, who soared to three gold medals and helped revolutionize the sport with her acrobatic performances.

“I came to the Olympic Games completely unknown. Nobody knew who Olga Korbut was,” she said in an interview in 2017.