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'It was my first big competition ...' Olga Korbut takes Munich by storm

For so many of my generation, Olga Korbut opened the door to the wonders of gymnastics.  Her performances at the Munich Olympics embrace so much of what the Russian gymnasts uniquely now present on the competitive podium : tantalizing personality, complex expression and unique, original skill.

As we begin the final run up to the 2012 Olympics, the BBC remembers Olga in this video coverage, available to viewers in the UK.

It is hard to believe that it is almost 40 years since I saw Olga for the first time, on my little black and white TV screen.   I had never known gymnastics before that day, and have never ceased to be enthralled by the sport since.  She spawned an unprecedented surge in gymnastics participation, and inspired emotion that has endured for almost half a century.  There has never been anyone quite like Olga.

I wonder what memories we will have of London?

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