In 1972, long before Simone Biles, Mary Lou Retton or even Nadia Comaneci reached the heights of world-class gymnastics, a young Soviet gymnast won hearts across the globe at the summer Olympics.

Olga Korbut, a tiny 17-year-old with scruffy ponytails, was not the world champion. She wasn’t even the best gymnast on her own team. Those honors belonged to her teammate, the incredibly talented Ludmilla Tourischeva.

But Olga, an unlikely hero, stole the show and transformed the world of gymnastics. She successfully performed daring new moves, displayed a radiant smile that melted hearts when she performed well and cried a river of tears when she performed badly. At a time when Soviet athletes were considered to be robotic for not displaying ANY emotion, Olga was original, brave, human and real! Eastern hemisphere, Western hemisphere, communist, socialist, and capitalist alike, the world was cheering on this extraordinary teenager.

Today when I speak with recent college students and emerging leaders, they tell me they admire leaders who are authentic, creative, confident and most of all – real. They are eager to emulate role models that will help them make a difference and have a positive impact on their work and in the world.

A movement is born and lives on 

As it turns out, Olga created a movement. When I attended second grade in 1972, we spent recess doing handstands and cartwheels, leaps and splits. Surprisingly the YMCA now had a wait list for young gymnasts. Girls were inspired to learn, grow and become champions! This movement would transcend decades and influence generations of young people to join gymnastics.

Years later, we all watched Simone Biles, often considered the GOAT of women’s gymnastics, removing herself from competition when she believed she was not mentally well enough to compete. She gave another gymnast the opportunity to succeed and mounted a successful comeback when she was healthy and ready. Countless other athletes, and all kinds of people, were influenced by her leadership. What we learned: It is okay to step back and make adjustments. Trust your teammates to step up and accept the challenge.

Authenticity wins

What can leaders take away from Simone and Olga? There is great power in authenticity. Your leadership can inspire people to do things they never imagined until you ignited a spark in them. This is how leaders of the future are creating value – they inspire, and they create a movement.

Tell us about a time when your authentic self helped to propel a movement in the Comments.