Tabitha Yim Article (skater & gymnast)

[Gingi]

The article says that she is a nationally ranked novice skater. I know that she is a skater but I didn't think she was ranked on the national level? Didn't she get a bye to sectionals and then not compete?

Amazing girl though. . .

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/09/sports/othersports/09GYMN.html?ex=1029556800&en=b5f739f0a068d574&ei=5 040&partner=MOREOVER

[Yazmeen]

Good grief, isn't Martha Karolyi a breath of fresh air--she doesn't see the two sports as a problem!!! No way would Bela have allowed that. What a talented young lady.

[Trillian]

I don't think Tabitha has even competed at regionals for the last two years, so she's certainly not "nationally ranked". Still, it is impressive that she's still so dedicated to skating despite her success in gymnastics. And I do agree that it's remarkable that Marta Karolyi is so accepting of it.

[Aravis]

In figure skating, she is ranked nationally as a novice, two levels below a Sarah Hughes or a Michelle Kwan.

It is odd wording....perhaps the reporter was commenting on her skating level rather than her accomplishments. Does this writer regularly cover figure skating?

[NiceIce]

She was given a bye to Sectionals without having even competed at regionals for years!
Amazing to me that the rules were pushed aside for her, becasue of her talent in another sport!
After receiving the gift of a bye she did not compete.
No, she is not nationally ranked as a skater.
She is a talented gymnast though.

[Dave Amorde]

Originally posted by Gingi
The article says that she is a nationally ranked novice skater. I know that she is a skater but I didn't think she was ranked on the national level? Didn't she get a bye to sectionals and then not compete?

Amazing girl though. . .

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/09/sports/othersports/09GYMN.html?ex=1029556800&en=b5f739f0a068d574&ei=5 040&partner=MOREOVER

Actually the article says she is "ranked nationally as a Novice, which is two levels below a Sarah Hughes or a Michelle Kwan." That is a very accurate statement, since the rank of "Novice" was bestowed upon Tabitha by the national governing body. "Ranked nationally" simply means that her test level was established by a national, rather than local, organization.

As for her bye to Sectionals last year: It is my understanding that the USFSA granted it unilaterally. The Yims did not ask for it.

[Trillian]

Dave, I didn't read it that way originally, but I think you're probably right. If you interpret "ranked nationally" that way, it makes sense, but I still bet some people will understand it incorrectly.

[Aravis]

Actually the article says she is "ranked nationally as a Novice, which is two levels below a Sarah Hughes or a Michelle Kwan." That is a very accurate statement, since the rank of "Novice" was bestowed upon Tabitha by the national governing body. "Ranked nationally" simply means that her test level was established by a national, rather than local, organization.

Dave, I think that you are right. The reporter could have worded it more clearly, though.

[gracefulswan]

that's right... just edited post....:lol:

[allegria]

Um, gracefulswan? Could you please avoid posting unmarked spoilers next time? This won't be shown until tomorrow on US TV, and some people don't want to know the results until they can watch it for themselves.

[Jack]

Tabitha is incredible! I heard that before nationals she had very little time to put together full routines, like maybe only 2 weeks? So for her to out there at Champs and hit 8 for 8 routines is close to a miracle! I have so much respect for this girl. Her talking to herself is hysterical, she looks like she's just had a 12 pack of coke and 14 double shots of espresso! But, hey, I guess it works for her!

Anyone else just shocked that her skating isn't as good as her gym? I've always looked at gymnastics as being a lot more difficult than skating, but here's a girl who can do a triple twist upside down, yet can't do a triple flip on the ice? I guess it just goes to show that skating really is tough! It's all about timing and technique in skating, whereas, it seems to be more about strength and quickness in gym.

[JDC1]

It's almost apples and oranges, both sports "fit" a certain body type but what's demanded is different and while gymnastics has more variety skating has the blade and the ice. Just imagine a gymnast doing most of her jumps and then landing on ice...much harder. I love both sports not trying to pit one against the other and I really think it depends on the person.

I saw her compete at Nats on tv, she was KILLING me with the talking to herself but it seemed to work.