Okino Reader Q&A: 5/16/2001
Betty Okino

SportsHollywood franchise player Betty Okino answers reader questions about acting, gymnastics, and (usually) about her measurements or boyfriend status (you animals).

Hi Betty!!! I would be honored to have an autographed pic of you, preferably in a bikini that shows the woman that you have grown into...You are a beautiful lady, and if I were 35 years younger, I would definitely make a trip to where you are... Thank you for your time, take care and keep that pretty smile coming. -- Jake

BETTY: Okay, okay. Everybody got upset a couple of columns ago because the promo read "BETTY OKINO BEACH PHOTOS," but I was fully clothed with a big sweater. So here you go...

Dear Betty: How did it feel to be the " most beautiful gymnast " that Ellen Berger had ever seen..especially since she was never really a fan of the American Style ? -- Christian

BETTY: That's the first I've heard of it! It's VERY FLATTERING! (Ellen Berger was an East German judge who always graded the Americans low -- fortunately in gymnastics you throw out the lowest score, and USA gymnasts almost always had to throw out Berger's... at least I THOUGHT they were her scores. Now, who knows?)

Betty, I would like to thank you for the time and the words of encouragement that you gave my daughter. She was a member of the 1994/95 TOPS Team in Tulsa and she cherishes the photo that you took with her. She was a tiny thing then and you are her idol. Because of what she saw in you she has continued to remain in the sport even when the threads of injustice and prejudice are so apparent. Her love for the sport continues to win in her heart and because of how you encouraged her I think she'll be OK. She is now a tall gymnast at 5''7 and she is going to be so thrilled that I have found this site. The icing on the cake will be to get that photo signed by you. I hope you continue to be the wonderful person that you are. Bela is still giving even now through Marta and I thank you for telling it like it is.

BETTY: I also cherish the time I spent working with the TOPS Team. We felt they would be the best, brightest hope for fielding a competitive team in the coming years -- the best of the best -- and a few are on the National Team now! It was an honor working with everyone! Please keep me updated!!!

Hi Betty!!! Since you're posing at the beach, how about seeing you in a nice bathing suit? :-) -- Jermaine

BETTY: Okay. I'm sorry -- it was cold that day at the beach! I needed a sweater!

Betty: Do you feel that you are a different person now that you were as a gymnast? I ask because you seem more open and more confrontational with sexual issues and being without clothes. It just seemed like the Betty we knew from gymn was more quiet and wouldn't act so freely, not caring what others really thought about it. -- David

BETTY: I'm the same person I always was. It's just that gymnastics competitions are very controlled environments. It takes a certain intensity. With these columns I can finally RELAX!

Hi Betty- I was wondering if there was any way I could get an autographed photo?? I have been a huge fan since the 91 Worlds. All of the injuries you sustained and worked through was motivation to me when I blew out my acl. I saw that you were able to continue and that made me motivated to earn a college scholarship. Keep up the good work! -Melissa

BETTY: Wow! You're an inspiration to me!!! An autographed photo is on the way! Thanks!!!

Hi Betty! You answered my question last time and I was really excited, I don't have to lay awake sleepless at night wondering how tall you are anymore. Anyway, now I have another one. IWhere is there more pressure to stay thin, elite gymnastics or Hollywood? I was just wondering because I read that the average clothing size for a woman in showbusiness is less than a 2. -- Tracy

BETTY: Hollywood, definitely. Being thin in Hollywood is more important than being healthy. It's sick!

E-MAIL BETTY
WITH YOUR QUESTIONS


Dear Ms. Okino: Can you send me a color picture of yourself. The black and white ones that were on the sports hollywood were not the real you. SHAWN

BETTY: Request granted... Now, aren't there any FEMALES out there who want to ask me about acting or gymnastics?

Hi Betty! I've seen you on tv and you are a great actress! I hope to see you do more acting! I am a gymnastics fan, and I have a few questions for you.
1. I have not seen the 91 worlds, but I have heard people talk about it constantly. Do you think that Zmeskal deserved to win the All Around, and do you think your team deserved the silver. I have heard many people say that the Americans were brilliant at that meet, and some have said that they were overscored.
2. Also, I noticed that you were very close to winning a medal in the All Around competition at the 91 worlds? Do you think that you were shafted, or were the gymnasts above you rightfully placed (Boguinskaya, and a gymnast from Romania, I forget her name).
3. Would you recommend that I should attempt to get coverage of the 91 Worlds? It sounds like an amazing meet! Thanks for your time!

BETTY: Number one: Yes, Kim DID deserve the Gold -- WE deserved the Gold! Two: Yes, I deserved the Bronze. Three: I agree. I think it was the best gymnastics team competition since the '84 Olympics. Thank you for NOT asking to see me in a bikini.

Dear Betty: Who wears a sweater to the beach? How about some photos of you in a sexy bikini? -- Rob M

BETTY: Okay! Okay!!! Here's another one. But this is as far as it goes!!!

Betty: It is so nice to see an athlete who is out there living and not in rehab or having tremendous problems in their life after being a successful sports personality. I commend you and hope that everything you do brings you great joy and happiness in all the rest of your life. I loved watching you perform. You had what I call "Athletic Elegance"..each moved seemed intensely poetic without losing the dramatic athletic elements for the fans to enjoy. Very few athletes can pull that off, regardless of what sport they craft. It would be great if I could get an autographed pic of you. I watched you on "undressed" religiously. I liked the whole concept of the show and you really pull off your character without looking like your acting or seeming to be forced. So if there is anyway you could take the time to drop me a pic and sign it real quick would be superb!!!!! I know its a lot to ask but I figure the worst that can happen is you say no. Regardless, I will stay a "Betty O" fan and enjoy you in whatever you do. God bless!!! Michael

BETTY: No. (Just kidding!!!)

Okino Archive
Betty Okino

1990 U.S. National Championships: Silver Medalist (AA), Gold Medalist (Beam) and Event Finalist (5th Bars, 4th Floor)
1991 World Championships: Silver Medalist (Team), Bronze Medalist (Beam) and 4th AA
1991 American Cup: Champion and Gold Medalist (AA, Vault, Bars)
1992 World Championships: Silver Medalist (Bars) and Event Finalist (8th Beam)
1992 Olympics: Bronze Medalist (Team) and Event Finalist (6th Beam)


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