Welcome to Global 2000

Betsy's Home / Kim Zmeskal / Picture Galleries / General Gymnastics Page

This is just a little page to provide tidbits of info on gymnasts who have caught my eye throughout the years...Enjoy!

Dominique Dawes is another gymnast that I really admire. She was in both the '92 and '96 Olympics. She is an exceptional gymnast, and is someone I really look up to! She is very strong, has her own style and isn't afraid to show it. She is so good that she has aquired the nickname of "Awesome Dawesome!", and I like to say that "Dominique Dominates!" Dominique is also a model, and posed for Tommy Hilfiger (I'm proud to say that Tommy H. has a sister named Betsy - he grew up near my Aunt)! Dominique did great in the John Hancock Tour on all events; she has such cool leotards!!
Dominique has been exploring acting, also, and was in the Broadway production of "Grease" a few years ago. In February 2000, she also played a gymnast in Disney's "The Jersey". It's been a treat to watch her grow up, and I think she's probably the most successful and mature gymnast of the Mag 7. I'm not sure what her agenda will be in the near future but I'll inform you as I find out! She's still very active and I hope she stays that way.

Another admirable gymnast is Amanda Borden. She was always very cute, bubbly and happy as a young gymnast. Although she's older now, she still lights up the stands with her smile. She looks like she is having fun while performing, which is a rare treat in today's gymnastics world. Amanda had officially said that she's not training for another Olympics or other big competitions--she's just having fun. She's off to college in Arizona now, as is Jaycie Phelps.

Jessica Davis is a rhythmic gymnast that I enjoy watching; I think she is very talented. I wish I was as flexible as her! Rhythmic gymnastics is less popular than artistic gymnastics, so Jessica had been doing some tours trying to gain popularity for the sport. I'd say it's just as difficult as artistic. It requires no real tumbling at all like artistic does, but requires an incredible amount of flexibility, and coordination!

I also really admire a couple of male gymnasts, such as Chainey Umphrey and Kip Simons. They are both incredibly strong men, as male gymnasts must be. Chainey is a great crowd motivator, as you'd see if you attended the JH tour. Chainey has recently stated that he's back in training, hoping to have a chance at the 2000 Olympics. I wish him the best of luck!!

Betty Okino is another wonderful gymnast I admire. She was teammate, rival, and best friends with Kim Zmeskal. She had a difficult time in gymnastics for a while, with a stress fracture in her back, and a screw in her shin, and she blamed some of it on her coach(Bela). You can read an interview with Betty here! Be sure to look for pictures of Betty on my Picture Galleries page.
I recently heard that Betty has been busy on t.v. She is hosting a show on the Disney Channel called "Z-Games", and she appeared in an episode of WB's "Popular". Betty has also been in a few commercials for Direct-TV, Samsung, and Pokemon. She even was a dancer in Celine Dion's farewell performance at the Billboard Awards.

Jennie Thompson caught my eye a couple years ago, around the time she became Junior National Champion. Her gymnastics somewhat reminded me of Kim Zmeskal. I tried to follow her career, as it looked promising, but she soon disappeared. She now is making a "comeback"! She's training at CGA with Mary Lee Tracy(she previously was coached by Steve Nunno) now. Recently, Jennie competed at Nationals last year and successfully placed 4th, earning her spot on the National Team. Go Jennie!

Gymnastics is a very fun sport that requires a lot of strength and flexibility. I encourage to to get involved: take classes just for fun, become a coach, or join a competitive team! On the USA Gymnastics page you can find some gyms that are located near you.....(link is below)