Reader Q&A: 7/16/2001 Betty Okino

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

The hell with the bikinis! Your photos were just fine! You were one of the "girl empowerment" and "what girls can do" symbols I pointed my girls towards. You look great in a bikini - and in reg. clothes. PLEASE, stick with real life - your gymnastic and reg photos are just fine. -- Gregory

BETTY: Dear Gregory: I'm still those symbols, beeatch -- clothed, bikinied, or unclothed! So lighten up -- it's just a bikini. Furthermore, I've worked hard for this body -- and the outfits I wore during competition weren't any less revealing! Do you make your girls where fur coats when they compete, or something?

Dear Betty, I'd like to invite you to visit my Web site, a tribute to former gymnasts. The URL is http://www.gymnasticgreats.com/. I hope you'll enjoy my tribute to you, and enjoy reading about former teammates and competitors. Sincerely, Jenn

BETTY: Thanks for the wonderful page and the link to this site! I am truly honored by the amount of interest I've received here and on the web. You made my day!

You mentioned in a previous Q&A that the 92 team would have kicked the 2000 team's ass. Are you aware that the routines your team competed would be given a start value somewhere in the 8 point range? And that if you competed those routines, the stricter, tougher judging would knock you down into the 7s? No offense, I love you gymnastics and your teammates, but dont' forget the one your team memebrs from 92 was ON the 2000 team - so basically you're insulting your teammate. Just wondering if you knew. Michelle, USA

BETTY: First, off, stating that one team with a particular gymnast would have kicked the ass of another team with that particular gymnast is NOT an insult to that gymnast. And I don't think they could have beaten us. And I can't recall anybody saying anywhere that the 2000 team was better than the '92 team, so it's not just me. Sorry! (EDITOR'S NOTE: "Sorry" replaced a more colorful response from Betty.)

Hi Betty: I've missed the TV shows that you were on ("Moesha," "The District," etc.)-found out too late. Can you let me know of any upcoming shows that you'll be in? Also, keep the photos coming on sports Hollywood (especially in those bikini thingys). -- Kwesi

BETTY: I just taped an appearance on a show called That's Life. SportsHollywood will announce when it's premiering. Be sure and watch -- I might be wearing a bikini thingy!!!

E-MAIL BETTY WITH YOUR QUESTIONS

Hi! I am Alexandra Govere from Zimbabwe. I was on the 1999 Zimbabwe national artistic gymnastics team. I had the dream of becoming the first African to get a medal in the Olympics for gymnastics, and everyone thought I could. Due to circumstances though I could no longer train. Well it was a disappointment but I still do ballet and was recently accepted into the San Francisco ballet School.

I am also an American citizen. While growing up you were my heroine because like me you came from Africa. I wanted to learn your triple on the beam. I had managed it on the floor and was about ready to try it on the beam.

Anyway, thanks for being an inspiration to all of us girls in Africa. in part because of you, I was inspired and determined to become Zimbabwe's first Black female artistic gymnast, so even though I was only able to be on the team for a year, I did accomplish the most important thing.

I have a website for African gymnastics I thought you might be interested in. It is at: www.geocities.com/sashamde and click on the African gymnastics link. I have linked to you there. The Nigerians with the proper coaching, equipment, and opportunity would be some of the worlds best gymnasts. They can do triples on vault and floor. Last I knew, 1999, they learned tumbling on the grass because they have no mats.

Some day I hope to develop gymnastics and ballet in Africa.

BETTY: I am flattered to have influenced your career, Alexandra. I have no doubt that Africa will produce more wonderful gymnasts. Maybe some day I can help you. And congrats on your acceptance to the San Francisco Ballet School. That's tough to get into! BTW, thanks for the link!!!

Hi Betty, I just wanted to write to you and ask you about something. I'm a tall gymnast, too, and I'm getting really frustrated. I started gymnastics late (when I was 10) and I sometimes I feel like I won't even ever get to compete optionals (I'm still 5/6 right now, I'm not sure which I'm competing next season). I'll see the younger (and shorter) kids be able to do everything so easily, and I'm struggling. I hate my height ... so I guess what I'm asking is, how did you deal with it? How can I use my height to my advantage? -- Caroline

BETTY: You're screwed, you lanky dork! Just kidding -- remember that the taller the gymnast is, the more graceful she is to watch. With longer limbs, your moves will be more fluid and full -- use it to your advantage! If that doesn't work, kick their asses! You're twice as big as them!!!

I was wondering what you thought of the new code of points and the higher demands it puts on these young athletes? Do you think the sport has gone too far with the new code because we are seeing very few scores that are even hitting the mid nine range? Do you think The Perfect Ten is now an ideal instead of a possibility? Also I was wondering what was the hardest skill for you to compete being either physically or mentally (maybe the triple turn)? Thank you for your time. -- Eric

BETTY: Yes, it's gone too far. The new points code is making gymnastics physically impossible, and as a result the sport is losing its grace and beauty. And yes, the triple-turn was definitely the hardest. (Who did they name it after again? OH YEAH...)

Betty, I just finished reading "Little Girls in Pretty Boxes." Then I read your column. I both agree with some of the things you said and disagree with others but what bothers me most is that you don't seem to realize that eating disorders really are a problem with gymnasts. I read your movie review and that little comment on Goofie probably having an eating disorder too...but don't you understand just how many gymnasts have eating disorders? Eating disorders REALLY ARE A PROBLEM in gymnastics and they KILL. The impression I get from reading your columns is that you think it's a joke and nothing to go around making a big deal about, but it is. And I don't really understand this because you must have known Christy Henrich ? (maybe not, I dont know) My impression could be wrong too. -- RomNadia10

BETTY: How many years did you spend in the sport of gymnastics? Eating disorders are a problem for everybody. The amount of attention it gets in gymnastics is ridiculous. I've known models, actresses, TV hosts, school friends, teachers, and all sorts of people with this problem. The joke about "Goofy Gymnastics" probably being about an eating disorder was made because just about every movie you see on gymnastics deals with... eating disorders. I'd like to see one movie where the gymnast just performs a decent routine or wins a medal, and doesn't have to overcome an eating disorder!!! (Gymkata doesn't count.)

EDITOR'S NOTE: During this Q&A session, Betty ate one three egg omelette (no yolks), hash browns, toast, and fruit. She had several cups of coffee, as well. There were no signs of an eating disorder.

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)