In the Ukrainian town of Mykolaiv, where the average monthly wage is just �250, 20-year-old Olympic fencer Olga Kharlan's success has given her enough money to build a new house.
Olga's upbringing was modest - she only took up fencing because lessons were free but by the age of 17 she was competing for Ukraine at the Beijing Olympics.
Alongside Olha Zhovnir and Olena Khomrova, Olga was part of the three-woman sabre team that beat their hosts, China, in a thrilling final.
With the score at 44-44 and needing one strike to win, Olga and China's Tan Xue both lunged simultaneously. The point was replayed and Olga landed the winning blow.
Since then Olga has won team sabre gold at the 2009 World Championships and 2010 European Championships.
Her hometown, Mykolaiv, is based in the south of Ukraine and is the major ship-building centre of the Black Sea.
Olga grew up in a one-bedroom flat. When she goes back to visit, her parents sleep on the couch in the living room.
After her success at the Beijing Olympics, the Ukrainian Fencing Federation presented Olga and her team-mates with special Olympic-themed cars.
Olga has consistently performed at the highest level, winning enough prize money to build her own house - something that makes her father extremely proud.
Olga visits her parents every few weeks - the majority of her time is spent at Ukraine's Olympic training camp in Kiev where she trains for eight hours a day.
Olga is currently ranked third in the world and is currently preparing for the London Olympics in 2012. She will compete at the European Fencing Championships that start in Sheffield on 14th July 2011.
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