Date of Birth

Birth Name

Height

Mini Biography

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, Betty made history by becoming the first African American to win the Olympic Bronze Medal. 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) (TV), "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.

Trade Mark

triple turn on the balance beam

Trivia

Can speak Romanian.

Won a bronze medal in the team competition of gymnastics at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics.

Finished in 5th place in the Balance Beam finals at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and 12th place in the Individual All-Around. Other gymnastics accomplishments include a bronze medal on the Balance Beam at the 1991 World Championships, a 4th place finish in the All-Around, and a silver medal in the Team Competition. She also has a skill named after her on the balance beam, being the first to perform the triple turn on one foot.

Coached gymnastics at Junior Gym in Van Nuys, CA

Friend of Jaime Pressly.

Betty Okino

Betty Okino as Coral