Olga Korbut open The Big Sky State Games in the USА

Olympic gold and silver medal gymnast Olga Korbut will be the special guest athlete of the 27th Annual Big Sky State Games.

She will light the torch and address the audience during the State Games Opening Ceremonies, Friday, July 20, at Wendy's Field at Daylis Stadium in Billings.

There are few athletes in history whose individual performances redefined their respective sport for generations of athletes who followed. Olga Korbut did so with gymnastics. Born in 1955 in Hrodna, Belarus, Korbut followed in her sister's footsteps into the then Soviet Union gymnastics program. Her never-before-seen athleticism on the beam, vault, uneven bars, and floor resulted in many new Korbut-named moves still executed by today's gymnasts. Her talent ultimately earned her four Olympic gold medals and two Olympic silver medals at the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games.

Korbut's Olympic performances have stood the test of time, making her one of the most iconic names in Olympic sports history. Her sincere emotion, youthful energy and Olympic success earned her international fame never before experienced in gymnastics. She traveled the world in the 1970s as the Cold War between Russia and the United States was at its peak. Sport historians have noted that Korbut's impact on politicians and diplomats of the day in both countries played an unexpected role in easing global tensions.

Today Korbut resides in Scottsdale, Arizona and remains active in gymnastics instruction. She is a professional motivational speaker, avid chef, and life-long fitness advocate. Following the Big Sky State Games, Korbut will attend the 2012 London Olympic Games to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of her legendary 3-gold / 1-silver medal winning performance at the 1972 Munich Olympics.