Reader Q&A: 12/20/2003 Betty Okino

E-MAIL BETTY

Hi Betty! I am a big gymnastics fan, and from what I have seen of you, you were great! You trained at Illinois Gymnastics Institute before going to Karolyi's, right? I just wanted to know what you think of Liz Tricase and the other gymnasts that have burst on to the scene from there? Have you met them? Do you still speak with your old coach from there?

Also, could you please give me an autogtaphed picture of you? I'm not a guy, so I don't need a bikini picture. LOL. I wish you much success in acting.
~Nazra

BETTY: Hello Nazra! Thanks for the e-mail. I was really hoping that you wanted a bikini photo, but alas, answers to your questions will have to do.

Prior to my move to Karolyi's in 1988, I trained with Todd Gardner at Illinois Gymnastics Institute. Had it not been for the solid foundation that Todd built, my gymnastics career may not have turned out the way it did. Much of my success is owed to Mr. Gardner. Therefore the strong showing by Todd's athletes in recent years doesn't surprise me in the least. The power and athleticism embodied by Liz Tricase reminds me of a fellow Karolyi gymnast who in '84 inspired thousands of little girls to dream a little dream. Liz, like Mary Lou, brings dynamics to the sport. She should be a solid member of the 2004 team.

The last time I saw Todd was two years ago, at U.S. Championships. It's always good to see old friends. Although I did not get to talk to Liz, Todd let me know that she is one of the nicest, most easygoing young ladies he's ever had the opportunity to coach. Coincidentally, I would say the same thing about Todd; except for the "young lady" part.

We will see what the world of gymnastics has in store for 2004. One thing is for sure, it won't be boring.

Take care, and blessings for a Happy Holiday!

~ Betty

Hey Betty! You and Kim Zmeskal were always my favorite gymnasts while I was growing up. I followed your career from 1989! One thing I've always wondered about is this: Why didn't you perform your triple turn at the 1992 Olympics (particularly in beam finals) or the 1992 Worlds beam finals? Good luck with everything in the future!
~Julie

Betty in Femme Fatales Magazine.

BETTY: Hey Julie! Thanks for the e-mail. The reason I didn't compete the triple turn at the '92 Worlds, or the Olympics, was because Bela chose to take it out of my routine. The triple is a pretty risky move, and since my routine had a ten point start value without it, Bela felt there was no reason to risk the fall. I agreed with him. Bela was thinking five steps ahead when he had me compete the triple in the '91 World Championships beam finals. With the Olympics coming the following year, that would be my only opportunity to put my name on the maneuver. I'm glad I got that chance.

Feel free to write me if you ever have any more questions. Have a safe and happy holiday.

Love and Blessings,

~Betty

Okino Archive

Betty Okino Gymnast, Actress 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) 2002: Inducted into the U.S.A. Gymnastics Hall of Fame (left). Film: Creature Unknown (2003) TV: The District, The Andy Dick Show, Moesha, Nikki, Undressed, Popular.