"When I became famous for my gymnastics, it brought a lot of people to the gym, a lot of people having to pay money.

"They were very talented, but money stopped the talented people attending gym. Unfortunately that was where it ended. Usually poor people have more of a hunger to work, I've seen it in life."

Forbes has estimated that the annual cost of an under-18 training programme to be an Olympic-level gymnast is $15,000 per annum, which requires gymnasts to either have parents with very deep pockets or be willing to make huge financial sacrifices.

But, if gymnasts can transcend those financial cost, there are other great rewards to be had.

"You know what?" says Korbut, "To be in the Olympics is good, but to truly compete is great. It takes courage and hard work to compete. Everybody is a winner, I couldn't pick a best. Everyone who competes is great."

"The Olympic Journey: The Story of the Games" is an exclusive exhibition running from July 28th to August 12th at theRoyal Opera House in London.