Olga Korbut - The Development of Modern Gymnastics
- In the 1972 Olympics, Olga Korbut became the first gymnast to complete a back tuck on the balance beam, becoming an innovator in the sport. Her athletic ability and routines revolutionized gymnastics.
- Before Olga Korbut, the skills performed on a balance beam were mostly dance, with few aerial or acrobatic elements.
- Olga's innovation in gymnastics led to various evolutions in the balance beam. As gymnastics skills, such as the back tuck, became more difficult, the stress experienced by the gymnast increased. There was a need for balance beams to be more accommodating. Beams were then manufactured with springs inside of them (information on why on the Balance Beam page!).
- Olga's worldwide fame brought the sport of gymnastics to the forefront of the international sports world and inspired many young girls to join local gymnastics programs .