大象传媒

We're live in the French capital as the Games begin!

One of the most popular Olympic disciplines is gymnastics. It requires artistic flair alongside core strength and amazing flexibility. So imagine having to compete with scoliosis, a condition that curves the back into unnatural positions. That's precisely the challenge Italian Marta Pagnini had to overcome in order to achieve her dream of competing at the Olympics, winning bronze in the Group All Around in 2012. Now retired Marta has been telling Sportshour's Caroline Barker about her gymnastics career and her continued battle with scoliosis.

Kayla Harrison has always been a fighter, both inside and out of the sporting arena. The double Olympic gold medal winning judoka now completes in mixed martial arts in the UFC. Twelve years on from her first gold in London and just months after her debut in the UFC, Kayla has been reflecting on her career and the challenges she has had to face outside sport. She's been telling Sportshour's Joel Hammer how she now splits her time between training and competing and spending time with her children on the farm they live on.

From life in the Olympic village to the secrets of the Opening ceremony, and what essentials you need to pack that no one tells you about. Speaking to Sportshour's Caroline Barker, Team GB's Olympic cycling silver medallist from Tokyo Neah Evans busts some myths ahead of setting off for Paris.

Photo: Olympic Rings displayed at the Eiffel Tower Stadium at the Paris Games. (CREDIT: DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images)