Betty Okino

Elizabeth Anne Okino, also known as Betty Okino, was born in Uganda, Africa to a Romanian mother and a Ugandan father. She decided to become a gymnast after seeing Mary Lou Retton's performance in the 1984 Olympics. Betty left home at very young age to follow her dream. Her grandmother demonstrated unrelenting support for Betty's talent. She learned how to drive at the age of 70 to transport Betty back and forth to the gym. Betty became one of the most elegant and skillful gymnast creating a move that bears her name, the "Okino", a triple pirouette on the beam. In 1992 the American team won the Bronze Medal and Betty, along with Dominique Dawes, made history by becoming became the first African American females to win Olympic gymnastics medals. After 12 years of gymnastics, Betty retired to pursue her other dream, acting. Gymnastics gave Betty tenacity, perseverance and inner strength, launching her into the Hollywood Spotlight. Today, the Olympic Bronze medalist is lighting up the small screen and again winning the hearts of new fans, in such hit shows as The District (2000), starring opposite Craig T. Nelson, along with starring roles on Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996), the WB's Moesha (1996), Alive from Off Center (1984), MTV's Undressed (1999), and a series regular on the Disney Channel's original sports series, Z Games (1999), Cousin Skeeter (1998), The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986), Good Morning America (1975) and American Gladiators (1989). Betty's most recent project is a lead in the feature film Creature Unknown (2004) (aka "Inhuman"), directed by Michael Burnett. Filming begins June 28, 2002. Betty takes on the role of "Coral", a beautiful African American feisty girl. Betty continues to demonstrate the same competitive spirit and talent that won her the Bronze Medal.