Oksana on 20-20 News

[FSWer]

Hey guys...Oksana Baiyal (sorry for my spelling) was on 20-20.

[yogurtslinger]

I just caught the end of it! Man, I wish I knew she would be on beforehand. She seemed very at peace and calm... good for her. I am very happy for her :)

Oh, I also thought that Scott's observations were right on-- of her value as a "personality" who's wrestled with demons and emerged on top. I'm so proud of her.

[Italiano]

I have always loved Oksuana. She will always be my little swan. Good to see her doing well.

[stogba]

I had a hard time with her trip to Russia including a film team. Going to see your mothers grave is a very personal thing. Finding your Dad who never wanted to be with you before is even more emotional. I had a hard time seeing that whole part of her life as anything more than a publicity stunt. You know it is possible to speak about this trip and not having cameras rolling.

I think the girl is a nut case. I saw her at EOC last Fall and it was really interesting to see the dynamics with the other skaters. All the others would be with each other, mingling, talking and she just sat on a chair like Queen! After she skated she would just stand out in the center and cry until people were on their feet. I wasn't impressed with her skating either although I know it was her first performance this year. Plus I am sick of seeing Swan Lake even if it has been modified.

[mary]

She definitely is the ultimate "drama queen" that's for sure. That's why she had the cameras rolling at her mother's grave and at the reunion with her father. She loves attention! But I'm glad that she's putting her life back together.

[skatepixie]

I didnt see it (damn ABC)! It wasnt on like it was supposted to be...at least not in my area.

You have to remember that the other skaters on the tour know each other really well. Its her first year touring and EOC was her 1st performence back. She was most likely just uncomfortable.

[Samskate]

I didn't see the show, but I agree about her being the ultimate drama queen. You have some interesting points stogba. I think along the same lines as you. Of course, I've never really been a fan of hers.

[schnood]

Originally posted by skatepixie
I didnt see it (damn ABC)! It wasnt on like it was supposted to be...at least not in my area.

You have to remember that the other skaters on the tour know each other really well. Its her first year touring and EOC was her 1st performence back. She was most likely just uncomfortable.

It wasn't on in my area either, but 20/20 is never on on Monday nights here. I really wish I'd seen it, good for Oksana for getting her life together. She looks so happy & healthy. I hope I get to see this at a later date.

[NJSk8Fan]

Well, I didn't think the cameras being with Oksana at her mothers grave or her reunion with her father were "overly done". I guess I'm trying to say, IMO, it was done in good taste. Oksana is looking and sounding a lot more mature and together and she seems happy....I just wish her well.

[Vicky458]

I have always thought she is a drama queen. As far as taking a camera crew with her to her mother's grave and meeting her father I don't feel that it was appropriate. I think that it should have been a very personal moment. Why did she have to bring a camera crew with her? What was the purpose of showing the World those moments? Was it for sympathy, publicity, exposure? I question her motives.

[TRAxel]

Originally posted by Vicky458
I have always thought she is a drama queen. As far as taking a camera crew with her to her mother's grave and meeting her father I don't feel that it was appropriate. I think that it should have been a very personal moment. Why did she have to bring a camera crew with her? What was the purpose of showing the World those moments? Was it for sympathy, publicity, exposure? I question her motives.

Oksana is an Olympic Champion, she had a hard childhood... was there not a movie made about her life also, or a documentary? Ever think that Oksana has so many supporters that she wanted to share this special moment with her fans?? It's not like this wasn't a big story and not brought up EVERY time Oksana is mentioned. Poor little Ukranian gal, father left when she was 2, mother died when she was 13... I for one am glad she did it that way, it was great to see her go back to her home town 13 years later, that is big news to also reunite with her father. Ok, I will stop rambling now, I think I have made my point. Oh, one more thing... Oksana's name is enough for puplicity.

[Italiano]

Did Oksauna take the camera crew or did 20/20? In any event, Russians and Ukranians are dramatic. That's why I love their skating.

[barnita]

I'm sorry I missed that. I love Oksanna. She is my all-time favorite, because of the drama. What an artist she is and what a story! Good luck to her for happiness in the future.

[loveskating]

I love Oksana...from the first time I saw her land those huge jumps at Worlds in 1993, I think it was, and win that competition, to now, I love to see her skate.

I always draw a great distinction between those who have, through no fault of their own, like Oksana Baiul, lived very "dramatic" lives...and those who are drama queens for no apparent reason. Oksana clearly has had a lot to heal from, and she has also clearly been working hard to heal...I support her and am happy for her every victory.

I didn't see the 20/20 show, but I think that Oksana found her father some time ago, and met with him. I don't think that the on-camera thing was the first meeting.

It is very important for any child abandoned by a parent to find and confront...and ultimately to forgive...that parent, and especially if the child was abandoned at the age of 2, when the child is most likely to blame themselves as "bad" for being abandoned.