Bicherova began gymnastics at age 7, initially training at the CSKA Moscow sports school and later representing the Armed Forces sports society. Her first major success was at the 1980 Junior Friendship Tournament, where she won the team gold, all-around title and placed first on the vault. A year later, Bicherova won the team gold and all-around gold at the 1981 World Championships, starting a series of major international successes, which included the all-around title at both the 1982 World Cup and the 1983 European Championships. She didn't compete at the boycotted1984 Summer Olympics and also missed the Friendship Games. Olga's youthful appearance at the 1981 Gymnastics Championship caused many to question her age (supposedly 15), and hence her eligibility to compete.[1]
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