This film is part of Free
Olga
A rare insight into gymnast Olga Korbut's life at the height of her fame, showing the discipline it takes to be an Olympic champion.
Overview
Filmed over the course of five weeks with the co-operation of Soviet authorities, this Granada documentary offers a rare look at the rigorous training of the Russian national gymnastics squad and the life of its star, Olga Korbut. With minimal commentary, the film is a meditation not only on the life of an athlete, but also on Korbut's fame and the endurance it takes to be a national sporting star.
The final sequence beautifully captures the wonder of Korbut's performances and is, as Nancy Banks-Smith described, "lovely to look at and impossible to leave".
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